April 7, 2005

Street Talk by Carol Rosen

How do you feel about Pope John Paul II and his legacy? What traits would you like to see in the next pope?
(Asked at Almaden Plaza)

“I thought he was a great pope. I just hope the next one’s named Patrick.”

Pat Pope, 56
Almaden
Retired

“I heard a great deal about him. It’s a great loss, he was a great man. He meant a lot to a lot of people. I’m hoping the next pope embodies his attributes, but it’s really hard to replace a great man.”

Khin Yeo, 42
Almaden
Homemaker

“I’d like to see some of the same attributes in the next pope. But it’s going to be really hard to match John Paul II’s compassion and diplomacy.”

Trish Carlin, 45
Santa Teresa
Dental hygienist in Almaden

“He was a very personable man who was able to connect with all different age groups. He was good with young people and old people alike. He didn’t have an agenda, but he did go and spread the word of God around the world. He was a man of God. Instead of being involved in politics, he was open and personable to everyone and very forgiving. I am hoping that whoever they choose will be even more involved with young people, because it’s important that young people don’t get jaded. I hope the next pope can spread the word of life and provide young people with a love of life and living, and that he will enable all people to know about inner happiness and inner beauty.”

Dave Roosma, 43
Willow Glen
Grocery clerk at PW Supermarket in Almaden

“I felt that John Paul was a magnificent leader, a real example for all Christians and for all of mankind. He crossed all barriers, religion, race and global. He also had a great part in bringing down communism. We in America would like to think that Ronnie Reagan did it, but he didn’t help the fall of communism nearly as much as Pope John Paul II. I hope the conclave can find someone as outgoing, but hopefully a little more liberal on church matters in general, including allowing priests to marry.”

Mark Benoit, 64
Almaden
Retired

“I am Catholic. I really believe that he was an incredible world leader. His teachings are based on being a good person along with the culture of life and the importance of life. We need to give the man lots of credit. I am deeply saddened by his passing. I felt that he was truly spiritual and he remained spiritual even though he was a world leader. I would like the next pope to also be a world leader and to unite all religions.”

Sherri Penny, 29
Almaden
Consultant