The death of John Paul II, longtime ruler of the Roman Catholic Church, was a sad event bringing sorrow to millions of people over the globe as he was one of the most prominent Popes in the history of Christianity.

His 26 years of papacy was a challenge to the society that had severe issues with faith. He was one of those who were courageous enough to transform the religion and bring it to the path of human feelings and kindness.

He played a prominent role in defeating the Communist regimes all over Europe and launch new relations with the faithful all over the globe. He spent more time traveling around the world and giving his blessings to the crowds of people.

Krakow-born John Paul started his way as an excellent author and even during the papacy he managed to pay attention to the problems from philosophy to war and ethics.

His death evoked the question of successor for the papacy but the faithful doubt if there can be anybody to be the perfect or at least close to a perfect Pope.

The US President George W. Bush called John Paul a “hero for the ages.” The President of Russia Vladimir Putin said the Pope was an “outstanding public figure.”

The successor issue still remains as the Pope did not give any preferences as of the figure of his successor. Among the main candidates are Francis Arinze, Jorge Mario Bergogllo, Tarcisio Bertone, and Ivan Dias.