FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 April 2, 2005

Release No.M-29 

MAYOR HANNEMANN MOURNS THE LOSS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

Mayor Mufi Hannemann issued the following statement on the death of Pope John Paul II:

“We join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness John Paul II. The pope’s efforts on behalf of world peace transcended divisions of culture or faith. As the first native of Poland to be called to the papacy, he was a pioneer. As a linguist fluent in more than a dozen languages, he was truly a citizen of the world.  It is fitting that in his final hours, he chose not to leave the Vatican, but insisted on remaining close to the people who were gathered outside his residence, to thank them for their concern.

“The loss of this humble and holy man is a time not only of mourning, but also somber reflection on his exemplary life.”

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