by Annie H. Liko

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

If I could have a one-hour interview with any human being past or present, I will summon up all my courage to interview the late Pope John Paul II . Born as Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920, some labeled him as "one hell" of a stubborn man.

Like most Catholics, I adore the late Pope tremendously. There is a certain kind of aura above him that captivates and attracts people effortlessly to him. The mere sight of the Pope on screens is enough to move many souls into somber mood and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm one of those people.

Pope John Paul II reaches out to the world instead of waiting for the world to come to him. The young and old acknowledge his undying effort to foster peace and unity, not only within his own Roman Catholic Church but also among others of different faith as well. He recognizes the importance of youths' contributions to the Church and outlines various youth-oriented activities to get them to be more involved in the church in a fun way. In 1985, he introduces the World Youth Day , which has been celebrated every year since.

He has also been tireless in his efforts to highlight any forms of violence, oppression and moral degradation. He was dubbed as the "most traveled" Pope of all time in his attempt to reach out to places that are normally "bypass" by other world leaders. Even as his once strong and vibrant body gradually reduces to a stooping structure, which sometimes sees him struggling to keep his frail frame strong throughout a ceremony, the Pope carries on with his duties whenever possible.

A fanatic in the crowd at St. Peter's Square nearly ends the Pope's life in 1981. He was seriously wounded from the gunshot but soon after he recovers he goes to the prison and meet face-to-face with his would-be assassin. He never reveals the conversation that takes place between them.

When the news regarding his deteriorating health breaks out, most faithful follow the updates closely over the Internet. Some were torn between praying for his well-being while others plead to God to end the sufferings of their beloved Pope. No words can describe the great loss felt throughout the world when his demise was announced; even though Catholics believe that Death is a passage to Heaven.

The Catholics all over the world lose a distinctive leader, a servant of God who never once falters from his duties to serve despite his own sufferings. He shoulders his responsibilities with great pride and dignity until the end, in the hope that believers and non-believers alike will live to uphold the truth in their teachings and to continue to reach out to one another. Pope John Paul II is the only one person that I would have excitedly gone to interview, if only I have had the chance.

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