Pope John Paul Dead At 84

Head of some 63 million U.S. Catholics, and over one billion Roman Catholics around the world, Pope John Paul II died at his residence in the Vatican Saturday at 2:37 p.m. EST. Karol Wojtyla was born in Poland May 18, 1920 and ordained priest Nov. 1, 1946. He was appointed Bishop July 4, 1958 amd elected Pope Oct. 16, 1978.

Locally, parishoners prayed for the Pope at LaBelle's Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Bridge Street in LaBelle. (photo right) Roman Catholicism is the largest church denomination in the U.S. and second in the world (after Muslims). The Church at Rome named Apostle Peter the founder of the church and the first Pope in 42 A.D. and he was martyred in Rome in 67 A.D. and ultimately was canonized as a saint.

For local Hendry county church information and religion commentary go to http://members.aol.com/liturgy and see Ave Maria University - the new Catholic university being built near Immokalee.