April 1, 2005, 4:30 p.m. EST --“The King’s College community is joined with the Church in the Diocese of Scranton and throughout the world in fervent prayer for Pope John Paul II,” said Rev. Thomas O’Hara, C.S.C., President of King’s College. “With fellow Catholics, believers of other religious traditions, and the whole human family we pray for the peaceful passage of the Holy Father into the risen life we celebrate so joyfully during this Easter time.”

To afford students and other members of the King’s community opportunities for prayer, the Chapel of Christ the King will remain open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, and all day on Sunday following the 11 a.m. Mass.

Attempting to capture the significance of John Paul’s leadership over 26 years really needs the perspective of history. But there are “hallmarks” of his papacy that stand out clearly. As an ardent promoter and defender of human life and human dignity he is without parallel. His tireless advocacy of the truth that human life is God’s gift, to be protected and respected from the womb until natural death, has been evident during his own bouts of illness and suffering.

Across the world John Paul II, as a pilgrim bearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has challenged systems of injustice and opposed violence in all its forms. The poor, the marginalized and the oppressed from whichever culture or region, have recognized him as their champion and advocate.

John Paul’s appeal to young people has not faltered but increased as millions of young people have met with him in “World Youth Day” celebrations on every continent. His concern for education led the Holy Father in 1990 to issue Ex corde Ecclesiae, in which he vigorously encouraged the strengthening and growth of Catholic colleges and universities and their vital mission of educating future leaders for the Church and society.

Indeed, John Paul II stands out as the religious figure who led not only Catholics but people around the globe in the human struggle for truth, justice and peace.

“We deeply respect the Holy Father’s unflinching example as a ‘man of faith,’ and pray that he will rejoice in the lasting peace of the Lord whom he served so well.”