Karol Wojtyla was only 21 years of age when his father died.

His father was his last remaining family member.

It was 1941, and young Karol, living in Nazi occupied Poland, had now lost his entire immediate family. The future Pope of 1 billion Catholics worldwide quit school and took a job as a day labourer in a stone quarry.

It saved him from being sent to a Nazi death camp.

Like many, he hoped the war would end quickly and peace would return to his country. Little did he know that another three generations would pass before the emergence of democracy in Poland, a country still scarred by its wartime past, and decades of plunder by Russian Stalinism.

Pope John Paul II Speaks

Through it all he maintained his faith, and a steadfast heart to make the world a better place for the generations to come.

In the years to come, many will debate his papal legacy and how his views on issues such as abortion, women's rights, and inter-faith relations altered the social fabric of the world--for better or for worse.

Few can argue, however, that his life of faith and opposition to tyranny will serve as a lantern for the world to uphold should dark times return once again.

h4. Quotes from Asian leaders

Tokyo ~ Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi: "I offer my condolences on behalf of the Japanese people and government at the passing away. I express the most profound respect for his achievements in the pursuit of world peace."

Kuala Lumpur ~ Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: "His message of religious tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation has contributed significantly in promoting better understanding between Christians and believers of other religions, including Islam."

Kuala Lumpur ~ Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad: "He (Pope John Paul) supported the Palestinians and condemned their victimisation. He also wanted to see a settlement to the West Asian conflict and opposed the occupation of Iraq."

New Delhi ~ India's Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh: "He reached out beyond the Church and became an inspiration for many years to people of all faiths. Pope John Paul II was a reconciler of religions. He was above all a great humanist. We in India mourn his passing away and pray for peace for the departed soul."

Dharamsala, India ~ Tibetan Dalai Lama: "The Pope was a man I held in high regard. He was a determined and deeply spiritual minded person. His experience in Poland, then a Communist country, and my own difficulties with Communists, gave us an immediate common ground. The first time we met, he struck me as very practical and open, with a broad appreciation of global problems. I have no doubt that he was a great spiritual leader."

Manila ~ President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: "He was a holy champion of the Filipino family and of profound Christian values that make everyone of us contemplate everyday, what is just, moral and sacred in life."