ICCR Statement on the Death of Pope John Paul II

NEW YORK, NY///April 4, 2005/// ICCR Members join their brothers and sisters throughout the world today in mourning the death of Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II was greatly admired throughout the world, by people from all religious traditions, because of his unwavering commitment to human dignity including peace and justice for all. He was constantly searching for ways to build bridges between followers of different faiths and wrote extensively on the fruits of dialogue between all faiths.

In his many trips around the world, the Holy Father communicated his deep concern for the marginalized of society, for the poor and the sick, as he preached often in solidarity with the millions of people who have little or no voice in global affairs. Poor nations considered him their advocate and he constantly challenged the world to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. Whether denouncing war, promoting human rights, petitioning for debt cancellation, meeting with world leaders or with youth and especially with the least of our society, John Paul II lived out his mission of peace and social justice and will be remembered as a great religious leader of our time.

The ICCR community continues to grow in our interfaith ministry of corporate responsibility. We remain focused and grounded in a vision that is rooted in faith and promotes corporate behavior that respects human dignity throughout the world. As we continue our mission, we celebrate the gift of John Paul II and give thanks for the powerful legacy that he leaves us.