Madiba praises John Paul II

2005-04-04 21:39

Johannesburg - The world is undoubtedly a better place for the legacy and the teachings of Pope John Paul II, said former president Nelson Mandela on Monday.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Madiba joined the millions of Roman Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II.

Mandela said: "We know that millions more people of all persuasions and backgrounds join us in this shared sense of loss and bereavement."

"At the same time, we celebrate the life of one of the great spiritual leaders of our time.

"(He was) One who gave moral direction and guidance in an age in which scientific and technological progress was not always matched by equal progress in compassion and universal caring."

He said the pontiff had been a consistent voice articulating the need for moral regeneration and caring for the poor and the marginalised.

Mandela said: "We were highly privileged to have met with his holiness on a number of occasions and were always inspired by his wisdom, compassion, humility and deep spirituality."

- SAPA