What they're saying

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"His voice and moral authority gave inspiration and hope to millions well beyond the Roman Catholic Church. His commitment to the unity of the church expressed itself in his personal willingness to meet with representatives of other faith communities and to invite those outside his own tradition to reflect on how the ministry of the Bishop of Rome might be of greater service both in the cause of Christian unity and the well-being of the world."
--- Frank T. Griswold, presiding bishop, Episcopal Church USA

"With the death of Pope John Paul II, the world has lost one of its greatest, most influential and compassionate religious leaders. . . . Pope John Paul II modeled unselfish compassion. He set aside his own physical challenges, disdained the threats of extremist opposition and traveled the world to demonstrate his appreciation for diversity, his interest in interreligious dialogue, and his deep commitment to religion as a source of reconciliation and peace rather than conflict and war. . . ."
--- the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, Baptist pastor and president of the Interfaith Alliance

''Pope John Paul II was a man of God, and he was also a man of the people. He was a source of hope to so many, and he honored that devotion by traveling the world to reach out to people of all ages, nationalities and faiths.''
--- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

''He was a shining example . . . a 'good steward of the manifold grace of God.' "
--- Metropolitan Herman, primate of the Orthodox Church in America

"Muslims worldwide respected Pope John Paul II as an advocate for justice and human rights. His message of international peace and interfaith reconciliation is one that will reverberate for decades to come. We offer our sincere condolences to members of the Roman Catholic Church and to all those who seek a more peaceful world."
--- Council on American-Islamic Relations

''There will be time in the days ahead for the proper tributes to be paid. For now, we remember his life and ministry with thankfulness.''
--- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

''Israel, the Jewish people and the entire world lost today a great champion of reconciliation and brotherhood between the faiths.''
--- Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom