After a long battle with many illnesses, Pope John Paul II died today at 9:37 PM (Vatican Time) while in his apartment in the Vatican City. He was 84 years old. His illnesses worsened in the past couple of days and it was easily noticible that his hour was near. After refusing to go back to the hospital yesterday and today and sliding in and out of consciousness, one of the most noble of men and one of the world's leading religious figures passed away peacefully.
Pope John Paul II did so much for the world of religion and for the betterment of all people and relations. He has been the most instrumental part in the unity between Christians, Catholics, Jews, and Muslims during his 26 year service as the Pope. He will be greatly missed.
As of this time, no successor had been named.
H-D 