The Pope

Senator Bill Frist
04/06/2005

Just a few minutes ago, the Senate passed a resolution to honor the life and contributions of Pope John Paul II. 

Still, I am left to wonder ... can we ever fully grasp the magnitude of this extraordinary leader’s legacy?

This is a man who was able to bring together people of ALL faiths ... at ease in a cathedral, a mosque or a synagogue;

A man who was instrumental in toppling the oppressive reign of Communism in Europe, and helping to foster a lasting era of freedom;

A man who delivered a message of peace -- personally -- to every corner of the world;

And above all, a man who embodied the adage “a humble birth is no hindrance to greatness.”

Whether with world leaders, or with those the world had simply forgotten, he was our perpetual voice of kindness, courage and compassion. A true beacon of hope. 

He was also a poignant poet and an accomplished playwright and philosopher.
I came across this moving poem that he wrote for his mother -- at the age of 19 -- entitled 

“Over This, Your White Grave.” 

Over this, your white grave
the flowers of life in white--
so many years without you--
how many have passed out of sight?
Over this your white grave
covered for years, there is a stir
in the air, something uplifting
and, like death, beyond comprehension.
Over this your white grave
oh, mother, can such loving cease?
for all his filial adoration
a prayer:
Give her eternal peace--

How blessed we were to have this great man walk among us.

As of now, it appears I will have the privilege of leading a Senate delegation to Rome to attend funeral services Friday in St. Peter’s Square. 

Like many of you, I will be paying tribute to the life of this great spiritual leader -- an eternal and selfless servant to God, a guardian of our sacred culture of life, a champion of universal human dignity. 

So, in the coming days, let us join with mourners the world over and “light up the road to God for him, the way he did for us.”


Bill Frist

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