holy father’s final journey

pallbearers carry the wooden casket bearing the remains of pope john paul II into st. peter’s square in vatican city. (picture from CNN)

“The Holy Father was a priest to the last, for he offered his life to God for his flock and for the entire human family, in a daily self-oblation for the service of the Church, especially amid the sufferings of his final months. And this way he became one with Christ, the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep. Finally, “abide in my love:” the Pope who tried to meet everyone, who had an ability to forgive and to open his heart to all, tells us once again today, with these words of the Lord, that by abiding in the love of Christ we learn, at the school of Christ, the art of true love.”
extract of text of the homily read, in italian, by cardinal joseph ratzinger, dean of the college of cardinals, during the funeral mass of pope john paul II.

FAREWELL, MY BELOVED HOLY FATHER AND REST IN PEACE.