Lord Bishop,
I was deeply saddened by the death on Saturday night 2nd April
of Pope John Paul II and as the entire Catholic community in the
Gambia mourns this icon of piety, I wish to convey to you and through
you to all Catholics the nation over, on my own behalf and on behalf
of the Government and People of The Gambia, my most profound sympathy.
For the twenty-five years that the Pontiff headed the world Roman
Catholic community, it was universally recognized in him a holy
man who in the footsteps of St Peter and St Paul has sought to evangelize
and bring hope to hundred of millions of men, women and children
the world over. He was the apostle of peace as he relentlessly fought
for reconciliation of religions, making a historic journey to Jerusalem
and Palestine and the one who established diplomatic ties between
the Vatican and the State of Israel.
Amongst other things his legacy bequeathed to mankind was his uncompromising
anti-war posture he condemned the 1st Gulf War and the allied invasion
of Iraq. An indefatigable pilgrim, the late Pope John Paul II has
for a quarter of a century and through 104 journeys, crisscrossed
the planet with admirable consistency, championing the cause of
the less fortunate and preaching the gospel.
Be rest assured, Lord Bishop, that Pope John Paul II shall be long
remembered in our prayers.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Sgd) Yahya A.J.J Jammeh
Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh
President of the Republic of the Gambia