Subject:   Pope Statement
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Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Below is the official letter of condolence sent this morning by the
Communications Department to the Vatican and our friends on the Pontifical
Council for Inter-Religious Affairs.

I have also attached it in a media release format they may be helpful if you
choose to forward the statement to your local media outlets. We will be
doing that for the Indian media in the United States.

Your servant,

Anuttama dasa

Letter of Condolence on the Passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
--from The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

April 3, 2005

We are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II and offer
our condolences to our Catholic friends worldwide along with our heartfelt
wishes that they find joy and strength in remembrance of his selfless
service to God

The passing of John Paul II is a great loss not only to the Roman Catholic
Church, but to all people of faith. As a religious leader, Pope John Paul II
fought for his principles as vigorously as he practised them, giving strong,
meaningful guidance to his Church. We pray that these qualities of
leadership and commitment will continue to serve as an example to all.

As a Vaishnava community, we are especially thankful for the Pope"s firm yet
compassionate defence of the dignity and sanctity of human life, his sincere
appeal for the protection of the oppressed and weak, and for his call to the
younger generation to seek purpose in life through devotion to God.

We also honour His Holiness"s call for dialogue between faiths and between
churches within his own Christian faith. He affirmed the Catholic Church"s
commitment to the spirit of building sincere relationships with others
without compromising the Church"s unique sense of mission and witness. As
with so many aspects of his life, he achieved this with courage and
humility.

Pope John Paul II was a man who preached strongly, practiced humbly, and
acted compassionately. He and the Roman Catholic Church are in our prayers.

--Sent to the Pontifical Council of Inter-Religious Affairs on behalf of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) by

Anuttama Dasa
ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner
Minister of Communications

Shaunaka Rishi Das
Chair, ISKCON Interfaith Commission