Death of Pope John Paul II-Political leaders offer condolences |04 April 2005

Mr Ramkalawan's message reads:
"It is with profound sadness that our nation has learnt of the death of Pope John Paul II (Saturday) night. I share with all the people of Seychelles the sense of loss at the passing away of a great and holy man and a revered world leader. I express my deep personal condolences as well as those of everyone in whose voice I can speak to the Roman Catholic Church in Seychelles and worldwide at the departure of a beloved Father.

"Pope John Paul II has been an inspiration and a champion of much that we value most highly in this world – an abiding faith in God and a deep love for humanity. He was a man in whom the great struggles of our world for peace, human rights, freedom and justice merged with a deep spirituality. I am also inspired by his concern for the poor and the downtrodden on this earth and his faith in the young as foot soldiers in the struggle for a better world. His life has been an example of courage, wisdom and humanity.

"The visit of the Holy Father to Seychelles in 1986 showed he valued all equally, from the smallest nation to the largest and I believe that this also applied to how he valued all people. "His visit conveyed to us a sense of hope for the future and I am sure that his memory will be cherished for a long time in Seychelles.

As we share the grief that you, the clergy of the Diocese of Port Victoria, the Roman Catholic Church and the Christian faithful in Seychelles feel at this loss, may I also express our solidarity and hope that the Roman Catholic Church will soon find the new leadership to continue its mission."

In his message, Mr Gabriel writes:
"The death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II has brought immense sadness to each and every soul on this Earth. The Pope was unquestionably the most influential voice for morality and peace in the world today. He was the Apostle of peace 'par excellence' and his numerous travels all over the world, including Seychelles, were occasions for him to relay to us one message: love one another and let there be peace on Earth. He was fearless in the defence of the rights and dignity of man, confronting world leaders on difficult issues that were close to his heart and close to the Church.

He spoke with authority wherever he went, brought hope to the poorest of the poor, challenged totalitarianism and modernised the Church. Such was the extent of the incredible influence of John Paul, who we are all mourning today and will mourn for many years to come. We still have vivid memories of his historic visit to Seychelles in 1986 when I had the privilege of meeting him for the first time.

"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you and the Roman Catholic community of Seychelles on the death of The Holy Father.

"May His soul rests in eternal peace."