The world has lost a powerful voice for the less fortunate with the passing of Pope John Paul II. He was not only a profound champion of individual freedom, but he was an outspoken critic of capitalism and socialism. He was critical of capitalism for neglecting social responsibility and socialism for crushing individualism. He disapproved of consumerism and he consistently opposed wars.

Pope John Paul II summoned the governments of the world to recognize the freedom and dignity of every individual. He decried the excesses of materialism. At Yankee Stadium in 1979 he warned: "It is not right that the standard of living of the rich countries should seek to maintain itself by draining off a great part of the reserves of energy and raw materials that are for the whole of humanity."

Pope John Paul II took his message of the importance of economic justice and the dignity of every human being on Earth to over 129 countries. His powerful voice played a major role in the collapse of the Iron Curtain. By being the first pope to enter a synagogue and a mosque, he demonstrated to the world by his own actions what it means to embrace all peoples, all faiths.
 

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