Special to the Filipino Reporter

The Filipino-American community in the New York tri-state area joins the Christian world in mourning the loss of Pope John Paul II by remembering a spiritual leader they describe as “the greatest Pope the world has ever had.”

Here are some random comments:

“He is the Pope I came to know and I admire him for playing an important role in the downfall of communism in Eastern Europe by giving moral support to the opposition against communist rule. And of course, he loved the Philippines and he was well-loved by the Filipinos.”
— Amb. Bayani Mercado Jr.
Deputy Philippine Permanent Representative to the U.N.

“I am saddened by the Pope’s death because as a Christian we idolized him for being a role model to us. Everyone should pray for him in return for what he did to us.”
— Loribelle Agulay
Stamford, Connecticut

“Amid the scandals and problems that besiege the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II’s purity, sincerity and genuine love for all kept the church from falling apart. He will go down in history as the most important figure of the century.”
— Marietes Mancego Carreon
Jersey City, N.J.

“I feel bad that the Pope John Paul is gone, but at least he’s now resting with the Lord. I know he’s going to be with God in heaven.”
— Perlita Rodriguez
Brooklyn, N.Y.

“Pope John Paul II is the best Pope we ever had because he showed love to people all over the world regardless of color, and religious and political beliefs. He even went to Cuba and Israel.”
— Ron Bumactao
Stamford, Connecticut

“Despite public pressures on issues like divorce or marriage for priests, as well as scandals in the church, the Pope stood his ground on what is morally right and never wavered from the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
— Carissa Villacorta
Queens, N.Y.

“The Pope is our Most Holy Father on earth who gave this troubled world spiritual guidance just when we needed it most.”
— Danny Bacalla
Greenwich, Connecticut

“He was a great spiritual leader not only of the Catholics but also of the whole world. He was a living witness of Christ.”
— Zeny Avila
Founding leader, Ugnayan Filipino community, St. Francis of Assisi Church, NYC

“In his 26 years of reign, I still have to see or hear about the Vatican position on the Northern Ireland conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Unless I’m wrong, I haven’t learned that he had ever visited Northern Ireland for this purpose. The Vatican should have addressed the issue.”
— Gavino Abaya Jr.
Manager, Philippine Center Management Board

“He was a brave soldier of God who was never cowed by dangers lurking in places he visited. Assassinations and other threats did not stop him from visiting countries just so he could promote peace and goodwill for mankind.”
— Jose Madrilejos
Manila

“He was probably the greatest Pope the world ever had and I hope that the one who will replace him will be as hard working and as great as he was.”
— David “Dave” Temperante
Manila

“I had the rare privilege of shaking the Pope’s hand during the canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz in the Vatican. It was a beautiful experience to meet the holiest man on earth.”
— Luz Sapin Micabalo
Westbury, N.Y.

“The memory of meeting the Holy Father in the Vatican City is one of my life’s blessings. I will always remember him saying, “I love the Filipino people.’ I’m glad that he’s finally home with the Lord.”
— Dr. Cora Mendoza
Chairperson, Batangay of the Virgin
Roseland, N.J..