By the Associated Press

“Pope John Paul II is my role model because his life was through, but he turned to God and kept believing in Him. Pope John Paul II always kept his faith in God no matter what.”

– Michelle Rahtelli

“I think the pope is truly a forgiver and a hero because he approached his shooter and forgave him.”

– Gabe Blais

“The pope was also respectful of all other religions as well. He didn’t go out into the public and try to force people into Catholicism. Because of this, all other religions and nationalities including the Jews, the Muslims, and the Hindus all respected the pope and liked him as much as any Catholic.”

– Ryan Cahalane

“When I was in Rome last year I had the opportunity to be part of his Wednesday audience. I was blessed by him and it felt exceptionally meaningful and pleasing. His words made me feel closer to the Lord and I was filled with the spirit of God.”

– Nicholas Martinez

“Being an important figure for the Catholic Church, he was consistently followed around by media, most would find this annoying, but not Pope John Paul. Instead he used the media to show people the suffering of others, especially those who were suffering in communist countries.”

-Kate Foy

“He was the Pope that was out with the people not cooped up inside the Vatican controlling from his safe and mighty throne. He was the Pope that changed the way people view the Pope and the heads of Church.”

-Sonja Hayden

“When his death was announced I didn’t feel much until I thought about it. It felt like I knew him and he was my best friend. I felt like someone had broken my heart and had left nothing.”

-April Gaddis

“His words and advice change all people. Even if they aren’t Catholic, his words inspire them to serve others.”

-Matthew Williams

“He truly was a pontiff, building us a bridge from heaven and earth and filling in the gaps everywhere in between.”

-Shannon McCarthy

“Pope John Paul II was one of the most active people in the world. He didn’t stay home sending the world postcards saying Greetings from the Vatican: Wish You Were Here!!! The pope had taken action to make the world – not the Church, the world – what the Lord intended it to be.”

-Joshua Jowdy

“He has set a good quality example for us children. The pope always seemed to be there and guide us to be good Christians. He has not only affected Christians but many people of other religions. He has made my life more like Christ and I want to follow his example.”

-Megan Meier

(Source: St. Rose of Lima School, Newton, Conn.)