The world is a stage and all of us are just actors, one noted commentator once said. The statement holds a great deal of truth for no matter what positions of life or influence we occupy, all of us one day will exit that stage on which we are now performing. Man has one common destiny: death. After that it is either heaven or hell, but the life we live on earth, and the name we build for ourselves, can be shining examples for others to emulate.

The many deaths all around us of people we knew well and associated with closely, have been shocking, and sad at times. To top it all, seemingly, has been the passing of Pope John Paul, one of the greatest figures on earth and yet life goes on. Despite any differences in our world of multi-religious and political doctrines, he has been able to achieve, by his own standards of life, much respect and fame. Today he is no more, but his name, good works and spirituality linger on in the minds of millions.

The next stage is to find a suitable replacement, not necessarily one to merely carry on the status quo and the traditions of the age-old papacy. Our world has come to a stage of enlightenment and religious liberty where brighter visions are needed, where Christian principles of leadership and morality must take on greater significance and responsibility.
We need to save our world and mankind from the evils that threaten to overwhelm us and destroy opportunities to make lasting and positive contributions to our societies. The Conclave of Cardinals charged with choosing a new Pope has a grave responsibility and the person eventually selected should aim to be a greater John Paul 11 if he is to effectively meet the growing and serious challenges facing the church and the world in these difficult times.

One however does not always need to be a great personage to leave a mark on the world, his country, community or neighbourhood. All of us, great and small, rich and poor have a role to play. We can stay in our own corner, wherever we find ourselves, and function well by doing our part to make the world a better place, to earn respect and to be a sterling example to others.

Our young people in Anguilla, and in the world at large, have a golden opportunity to become men and women of great influence and leadership. They must try to chart a course for themselves. Those to whom they look for help and guidance, must be only too willing to assist them. Pope John Paul loved young people for in them he saw hope to make the world a better place. We too must have that vision and love them as well.

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