Depending on which news source you listen to, at this moment the Pope has either died or is in his last moments.
This diary isn't going to be a look back at his legacy: I'll leave that to others, especially Catholics, to reflect on his impact on their faith and the world.
Rather, what are some lessons we can take from the life of this man?
In listening to reflections on the life of the Pope, two things stood out that I think we, as progressives, can take to heart, and one that all human beings can also relate to.
1. Speaking out, regardless of popularity. Several of the Catholic priests who have been commenting on the life and legacy of the Pope have said that he spoke out on what he believed, regardless of whether his view was popular or not. As we see the Democratic Party decide what policies to push to the back burner in order to be elected, and as we see the Right attack those who speak out against injustice as "traitors", we need to remember that the correct action isn't always the most popular (nor is the popular action the correct one).
2. Reaching out to others. This Pope has been known as one who reached out to other communities, other cultures. Much has been said of his mastery of languages, of greeting people in their own tongues where possible. This is a lesson that Democrats need to learn; we're starting to see more diversity, but the predominant color seen in the Democratic leadership is still white (and predominant gender is male -- we have that in common with the Vatican). We need to recruit a new crop of leaders and future leaders, and from all sectors of the society.
3. Choosing the manner of death. This is something, especially in light of the struggle over the late Terri Schiavo, we can take to heart. When asked if he wanted to go to the hospital, Pope John Paul II chose to remain in his familiar bed, preparing himself for the end. We can do the same, through living wills and medical powers of attorney (as we've talked about here), by talking to all our family members and stressing what we want and what we do not want, and simply by saying "No" for as long as possible to those means of care we do not want.
There'll be plenty of time later to look at the warts of the man, as well as what is praiseworthy. (Shakespeare wrote, "The evil men do lives after them, the good are often buried with their bones.") Right now, let's just reflect on the death (or pending death) of a fellow traveler on Life's highway.