A unifying power: in Life as in Death

Just a small footnote ( or rather overhead note!) to my tribute to the pope. It was so wonderful to watch his funeral and see that even in death he brings together people of every nationality and creed. Although I am sure most of the crowd that gathered at st. Peter's square to witness his funeral were for the most part catholics, in the front row seats, I saw some very non-catholic looking faces. Leaders of so many different religions not only paid their respects to the Pope but also actively participated in his funeral rites, turning it into one of the most global events in recent history. Indeed the turnout of National leaders made me constantly remind myself that I was watching the pope's funeral not a ceremony at a UN summit. And of course I loved the way the media zeroed in on the offering of peace during the mass when the presidents of Isreal, Iran and Syria shook hands! All in all a majestic end to a royal life.