April 8, 2005

StreetTalk 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 Albertsons on Tully and Capital)

“I thought that John Paul II, from everything I heard and read about him, lived the gospel just as it was written in the Bible. That’s what popes are supposed to do. I think he did his job as well as any human being is able to. About the next pope, I’m not Catholic, so I don’t know what is expected, but I hope that he loves people as much as John Paul did and that he’s as conservative in his doctrine as John Paul was. John Paul had such a huge regard for human life and moral issues.”

Nancy Juarez, 40ish
Evergreen
Accounting

“I don’t know too much about him. I never really followed him. I work full time, go to school full time and I’m the father of a small child.”

Carlos Montiel, 29
Evergreen
Senior Network Analyst

“I thought he was a diplomat, but that he also stuck his neck out a bit for women. He was slightly revolutionary. Lots of people thought he was great. He was against war. He disagreed with Bush, and he wasn’t afraid to take a stand against the Iraq war. For the next pope, I hope he offers more of the same, even opening doors more for women, involving them even more in the upper and higher echelons of the church.”

Michele Gordon, 37
Evergreen
Teacher

“Well, I admire John Paul II. During his 26 years as pope he was a great leader and tried to spread the word of God throughout the world. I hope the next pope is just like him, but not liberal. We have enough liberals in California. I hope the new pope is positive in a non-radical way”

Valerie Weber, 50
Vacaville
Physical education teacher

“I liked everything he did. He loved everyone and was friendly to everyone he met. He also spoke so many languages and could and did talk to all kinds of people [not just the important ones]. I’m sad that he died. I hope the next pope has almost all the same qualities that John Paul had.”

Stephanie Braga, 20
Milpitas
Hairdresser at Pure Beauty in Evergreen

“I was brought up in a Christian home, not a Catholic one, but it’s very sad that he died. He’s been pope for a long time and he was a strong ruler. He did a lot of good deeds. I hope they find someone as strong as John Paul was; a strong believer and a believer of people.”

Amber Madrigal, 21
San Jose
Para-educator at Foothill High School