Pope offers reflections on meaning of death, life

Published: 2003-11-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Making two brief appearances on the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, Pope John Paul II offered reflections on the meaning of death and eternal life. The pope sounded tired and out of breath as he read the talks Nov. 1 and 2 from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square. Unlike previous years, this year he did not descend to the crypt in St. Peter's Basilica to pray at the tombs of deceased pontiffs. Marking All Saints Day, the pope said those in heaven remind people that "it is above all prayer that helps us to never lose sight of our eternal destiny." As he has done often in recent months, he recommended praying the rosary as "a simple path to holiness, accessible to all," and reminded his listeners that attaining holiness is the vocation of every Christian. October marked the end of a special year dedicated to the rosary. On All Souls Day, when all the dead are remembered, the pope emphasized the importance of praying for those who have died. "It is important and proper to pray for the dead, because even if they died in God's grace and friendship, they may still need a final purification to enter into the joy of heaven," he said.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .