Statement by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on the death of Pope John Paul II

We have received with great sadness news of the death of Pope John Paul II, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope's death particularly touches the Catholic Church and its over one billion members, but the whole of humanity has also lost a strong defender of unity and peace.

Karol Jozef Wojtylan's election as Pope in 1978 was an historic event that gave a spiritual boost to Poland and all of Eastern Europe. During his long period in office Pope John Paul II did not remain a distant leader inside the walls of the Vatican. Instead he went out and met people, travelled around the world and talked ceaselessly on behalf of ecumenicism and peace.

The poor health that cast a shadow over the Pope's last years did not prevent him from continuing his work. He brought conform to his many followers and showed by his personal example that suffering can be overcome. Pope John Paul II left behind a strong Catholic Church that has great significance around the world.