The Pope's Suffering Ends Pope John Paul II died April 2 at his Vatican apartment after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and more recent health problems dating to February. The 84-year-old pontiff survived an assassination attempt earlier in his papacy.

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The Pope's Suffering Ends

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Pope John Paul II: A Tribute

April 19, 2005 • The spiritual leader of 1 billion Catholics has died. Illness and suffering have marked the last days of the 84-year-old pontiff's quarter-century as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy has been among the longest and most activist in history.

Aides at Bedside, Crowds in Square Wait with Pope

April 2, 2005 • Pope John Paul II's closest aides surround him as he lies near death in his home at the Vatican. He is aware, Vatican authorities say, that the end is near. Outside, a huge crowd stands vigil in St. Peter's square, praying for the pope's welfare and celebrating his life.

Aides at Bedside, Crowds in Square Wait with Pope

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Wadowice Celebrates Pope's Polish Legacy

April 2, 2005 • In Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's home town, Poles await the passing of a beloved native son. Some remember him as a youngster in school and a parish priest who reached out to different kinds of people and stood up to Nazi and Communist rule in Poland.

Wadowice Celebrates Pope's Polish Legacy

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Theologian Reflects on Pope's Values

April 2, 2005 • Theologian Michael Novak remembers his long friendship with Pope John Paul II, the pontiff's core values and his efforts to reach out to a larger world. He emphasizes the pope's motto: "Be not afraid."

Theologian Reflects on Pope's Values

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Examining the Pope's Legacy

April 1, 2005 • Michele Norris talks with Michael Novak, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author of The Universal Hunger for Liberation. Novak has met several times with the Pope through his 26-year papacy and talks about his legacy, influence on Eastern Europe and liberation theology.

Examining the Pope's Legacy

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Pope Offers Silent Blessing

March 27, 2005 • Tens of thousands of Christians gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome for Easter Mass saw Pope John Paul II bless them with the sign of the cross, but the ailing pontiff did not celebrate mass. NPR's Debbie Elliott speaks with John Allen of The National Catholic Reporter.

Pope Offers Silent Blessing

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