STATEMENT OF Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.

The death today of His Holiness Pope John Paul II saddens the Church. His leadership of the Catholic Church for more than a quarter of a century impacted the whole world; and the world now mourns the loss of this man of God whose spirit and devotion, even in the face of frail health, exemplified Jesus Christ’s own love for the Church.
Catholics from around the world and in the Archdiocese of Chicago will begin a mourning period during which Masses will be celebrated and prayers will be offered for the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul.
I will travel to Rome for his funeral, and, after the official mourning period has passed, will join my fellow Cardinals in Conclave to elect the 265 th successor of St. Peter. I ask Catholics of the Archdiocese of Chicago to pray that the Holy Spirit guide our deliberations.

Homilies of Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. on Pope John Paul II at Holy Name Cathedral Saturday 04.02.2005 5:15pm Mass MP3 Audio 5.12 MB Friday 04.01.2005 12:10p.m. Mass RealAudio 570KB MP3 Audio 1.63 MB

© Archdiocese of Chicago

FUNERAL MASS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II:  FRIDAY, 8 APRIL Homily of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger On Friday morning, 8 April, at 10 a.m. in the Square of St Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided at the Holy Funeral Mass for the late Pope John Paul II. The following is a translation of the Cardinal's homily at the Mass, which was given in Italian. "Follow me". The Risen Lord says these words to Peter. They are his last words to this disciple, chosen to shepherd his flock. "Follow me" - this lapidary saying of Christ can be taken as the key to understanding the message which comes to us from the life of our late beloved Pope John Paul II. Today, we bury his remains in the earth as a seed of immortality - our hearts are full of sadness, yet at the same time, of joyful hope and profound gratitude. These are the sentiments that inspire us, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, present here in Saint Peter's Square, in neighbouring streets and in various other locations within the city of Rome, where an immense crowd, silently praying, has gathered over the last few days. I greet all of you from my heart. more >> http://www.vatican.va

© Anna Binkul, Rome 04.06.2005

Chicago - Friday, April 8, 2005 Many Joined the Procession in Honor of Pope John Paul II from Holy Trinity Polish Mission to St. Hyacinth Basilica
© Mark, Grazyna, and little Thomas Komosa,Chicago

A Resolution Adopted by the City Council of the City of Chicago, Illinois Presented by Mayor Richard M. Daley on April 6, 2005

Gov. Blagojevich proclaims Day of Mourning for Pope John Paul II Day of Mourning to coincide with funeral in Vatican City

On Sunday April 24, 2005 at 11:30am on Channel 7 ABC Chicago the Archdiocese of Chicago's Sanctuary Television Program will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Pope John Paul II. This half-hour program features memorable video from the Pope's historic visit to Chicago in 1979. Chicago area Catholics talk about how Pope John Paul II touched their lives. We hear from Francis Cardinal George, bishops and theologians, as well as from lay Catholics such as a Polish dance troupe that had the privilege of performing for the Pope. This moving tribute is hosted by Fr. Greg Sakowicz, the Pastor of St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Chicago. announcement (960KB)