For reference, this cartoon was published the day after John Paul II passed away. A giant had left the world stage; He had one of the most highly visible pontificates in history and had contributed greatly to the defeat of communism in Eastern Europe. As a Catholic with many friends and family who are non-Catholic, I also appreciated the fact that he truly respected other religions besides Catholicism and acted as a bridge builder for all believers. What can be said as well is that he walked the walk as well as talked the talk; it was perhaps not just irony he was ailing and facing end of life issues just as the Schiavo case was in the headlines.