WE join the rest of the world in offering our condolences at the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian Pope in the last 450 years, the first Polish Pope, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics over the world. With his death the curtain has come down on the third longest papacy in history.

While Pope John Paul II was a man of God he was equally the people's Pope. That he touched the hearts of everyone, Catholics non-Catholics, non-Christians and pagans alike, is demonstrated by the overflow of reactions from all over the world. Here was a man who brought message of peace to the world, who abhorred distinction between race, creed and colour, and believed in the equality of man.

What was striking in him was that he did not confine himself within the church, or, to only the work ordained by the scripture. He contained in himself both the compunction of a spiritual guide as well as the qualities and conviction of a world leader committed to the well being of the poor and the deprived. He emerged as an unequivocal champion for the cause of the poor and those that were left behind in the development process.

No less was his interest in political developments in the world and he unhesitatingly made his position known on world events as he did when the United States and Britain invaded Iraq, which the Pope described as an act that would bring sufferings to human beings

His efforts to bring all religions of the world together through dialogue and discourse demonstrate his innate belief in the underlying message of peace that all religions advocate.

Love for his fellow men took him around the world to more than 120 countries during his 26-year papacy. One such visit brought him to Bangladesh also, that endeared him to our people.

We believe that the only fitting tribute to the late Pope's legacy would be for all to work for greater harmony among mankind and for better understanding among the religions of the world.