A man of conviction and courage, says McAleese

POPE John Paul II was a pillar of the modern world whose influence on history is already evident, President Mary McAleese has said.

His death on Saturday marked “the ending of an extraordinary life which in its mourning must also be celebrated”, she added.

“The story of Pope John Paul II is that of a man of immense faith and conviction and, in latter years, great personal courage.