The nation mourns the death of Pope John Paul II

Shortly after the news of his death was announced President Aleksander Kwaśniewski announced Poland will be mourning until the Pope's funeral. The President summarized the Pope's achievements when he said, "Poland would not be free now, but for the Pope". World leaders have announced their condolences stressing the role of the Pope in helping break the Soviet Block, reuniting Europe and lobbying for world peace. U.S. President George Bush said, "All Popes belong to the world, but Americans have a special reason to love this man, who was an inspiration to millions of Americans". The deputy president of Israel Simon Perez commented, "The Pope was the embodiment of best qualities in the humankind". (Rzeczpospolita pp. A1-20; Gazeta Wyborcza pp. 1-28; Parkiet p.1-2; Puls Biznesu, cover supplement) M.G.