RIYADH/JEDDAH, 3 April 2005 — Local citizens and expats expressed their shock over the death of Pope John Paul II who has led the Catholic Church for more than a quarter of a century. Christian expats joined millions others worldwide in mourning the pontiff’s death and offering prayers.

Saudi architect Tariq Alireza, while saddened by the pope’s death, said: “Pope John Paul II was a great world leader and symbol for the Polish people. He was instrumental in the dismantling of the Iron Curtain and his moral authority far surpassed politicians from Poland.”

Philippine Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla said his country of 80 percent Catholics deeply mourned the pope’s death. The pontiff was a champion of the poor and oppressed. “I remember his visit to the Philippines in 1981, which he repeated in 1995, and met with poor people and showed his concern. The entire country cutting across religions and faiths joined with the rest in the world to pray for the pope who stood for peace,” he said.

Among Filipinos in the Kingdom, the common reaction was that while the pontiff was physically gone, he had left a lasting legacy for the world.

Evelyn P. Santos, a Filipino community leader in Jeddah, was momentarily speechless when told by phone of the Vatican announcement:

“What? I just heard on TV before I went to bed that he was still alive,” she said. “It’s so touching because he had been very close to us Filipinos. It’s like we have lost a nearest of kin. And most of all, he’s been partial to poorer countries. I doubt if we can get another pope like him. He’s the best in our lifetime.”

“It’s a very sad moment for humankind ...but the good thing is that he passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, hope and joy to humankind,” said Victor Fernandez, president of the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia.

Elmer Fuentes, an IT professional, said Pope John Paul II has definitely done a lot of service to mankind.

“He encouraged peace among the different faiths and he is the only pope that apologized for the faults of the Catholics or Christians in the past,” he said referring to John Paul’s apology for what the Crusaders’ did to Muslims. “So for me he’s a pope of peace and unity.”

Joey Villanueva, an accountant, chimed in: “We are saddened, but are following his advice for us not to cry when he dies. I’m happy with the thought that he is now resting in peace. All his life, he has served not only in word but also in deed. He’s worthy to be emulated not only by Christians but everyone, especially in his championing peace and for his love of humanity, particularly for the aged and the sick...”

Jose Poovathinkal, a Catholic from Kannur in the Indian state of Kerala, and who works with IBM Jeddah, said: “I was also part of the community which has been praying for his recovery but ultimately, it’s God’s will that has to prevail. And at this time, we pray for his soul.”

In Riyadh, Filipinos were in deep mourning.

“The pope had touched the lives of many Filipinos who, I’m sure, are grieving over his death. He showered his love on them when he visited the Philippines some years ago. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos had turned out to greet him during that visit,” said Flordeliza Hernandez, a nurse.

“The Filipino people must feel as if one of them has died in the passing away of the pope. They loved him in the same manner that he loved them, as he had shown during his last visit to the country in 1995. During his last remaining hours the Filipino nation stood vigil and prayed for his recovery,” said Jeannette Solis, a teacher.