The news of Pope John’s death leaves the world saddened, and the Church bereaved. For this beloved father spoke not only to us, his children, but to all men because he loved the whole human family. His thoughts were never narrow and doctrinaire; they stretched out to all the confusing issues of a weary world. His heart beat not only for the anxieties of Catholics, but for the longings of men of every religion.

As Catholics of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, we gratefully note the prayers of men of every faith, especially of the Protestant, Orthodox and Jewish bodies of our community. To these prayers we add our own petition, sadly but confidently, that this man from God, whose name was John, is now with God, his great heart resting in heavenly love.

We are all richer, and our world is fresher, because of the four and a half short years that he was pope. He sought, not power, but understanding; not pride, but love; not pomp, but respect. He left a pattern of humility not only for prelates, but for princes and presidents, scholars and scientists, parents and pastors. He lived to the full the exact meaning of the world, “Catholic-universal, comprehensive, embracing the world.”