Pope John Paul II

It is with a great sense of sadness that we learned tonight of the death of Pope John Paul II, one of the world's greatest statesmen of the last half century. He was a visonary leader of the Catholic church and an inspiration to many Christians all over the world. Along with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher he helped bring down Communism, the greatest tyranny the world has ever experienced. People of all faiths and none will be saddened by his death. He was a man of vision, conviction and foresight. My thoughts tonight lie with the Catholic community and the people of Poland who have lost a much loved and revered leader."