Larry Kline
Havre Daily News
lkline@havredailynews.com
Havre Catholics mourned the passing of Pope John Paul II this weekend. Those exiting the pews at St. Jude's Catholic Church after the regular Saturday evening Mass said they were grateful the pontiff's suffering had ended.
Parishioners also noted the legacy of the church leader.
"I think he really changed things. He was a pope that traveled to other countries and spoke out on a lot of issues - political and social as well as religious," the Rev. Robert Grosch said. "He took the image of the pope as a world leader and made it a reality. It will be a tough act to follow."
"He was fabulous," parishioner Dona Woods said. "He brought many people into the church. He went to other countries. He came to the people."
Pat Vigliotti said the pope was respected around the world.
"He was a great leader," he said. "He was steadfast in what he believed. He spoke up for humanity, for the rights of people. If he had something to say to a world leader, he said it."
"He'll be missed by the whole word," Vigliotti's wife, Patty Vigliotti, agreed.
"It's just a sad day. He was a great man," Dave Soyer said.
Darlene Divish said: "He's not suffering anymore. He's at peace."
