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Even as his own voice faded away, his views on the sanctity of all human life echoed unambiguously among Catholics and Christian evangelicals in the United States on issues from abortion to the end of life.

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John Paul II's admirers were as passionate as his detractors, for whom his long illness served as a symbol for what they said was a decrepit, tradition-bound papacy in need of rejuvenation and a bolder connection with modern life.

New York Time's Assignment Desk

Editor: Coleman, c'mere! I want you to knock something out on the Pope. He died.

Young Reporter: Sure thing, boss. The pope, hmm, the pope. Let me see ... Okay, sorry, I give up. Who?

Editor: The Pope, Coleman. Jesus Christ, do I have to tell you everything. You know, the guy with the special little car. They nick named it after him, I think.

Young Reporter: What is htis, a NASCAR story? You can't be serious?

Editor: Not NASCAR, you idiot. The Pope. In Rome!

Young Reporter: Oh, God! I looove that city. It's ..., so liberating, somehow.

Editor:  Well, did you see the Vatican when you were there?

Young Reporter: Hmm, the Vatican, nooo, can't say as I did. Wait a minute, is that a soccer stadium.

Editor: Al right Coleman, get down to the archives and do some research.

Young Reporter: H'okay boss. But it sure seems like a lot of trouble for some back section fill.

Editor: Just do it.

Young Reporter: Sure.

Two hours later, a weary Coleman returns.

Editor: Show me what you gto, Coleman.

Young Reporter: I got nothing, boss, sorry.

Editor: Nothing?

Young Reporter: Nada! Zip! The big zer-o, sorry.

Editor: Well, did you look under religion?

Young Reporter: Religion ..., religion, hmm, okay, help me out here, boss?

Editor: Forget it. GO down to the second floor and help with the wedding announcements. And see if Bernstein's around. Tell him to get up here. And HE better know something about religion.