Pope, Globalization and the Politics of Condolence Habibul Haque Khondker

Pope, Globalization and the Politics of Condolence

Habibul Haque Khondker

Published on 01 April, 2006

The death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005 evoked sympathies, prayers, good words and condolences not only from the Catholics and religious leaders around the world but also from, laities, heads of the governments and states, and heads of various international organizations. Of course there were some criticisms and reservations but they were drowned in an avalanche of condolences. The condolences came from various sections, religious groups across denominations and geographical regions. That was truly a moment of unity, global solidarity, and inter-faith understanding at its best. Or, that was what it appeared to be. BBC Television as well as CNN covered the funeral so extensively that they were accosted with emails protesting too much coverage. The electronic media played a huge role in the return of sacred to the extent that a major newspaper had a cover story declaring, ï¿½Religion is still aliveï¿½.

But the phenomenon was more than religious. It had a extra-spiritual quality. It was a defining moment of globalization. The late Pope John Paul II was a truly global icon. Although, I have not seen the list of condolence messages at the demise of the previous Popes, the overwhelming reactions of sadness and condolence and the display of that collective grief, thanks to satellite television and internet, was truly a global phenomenon. And the late Pope himself as a spiritual leader had a role in earth-shaping events such as the fall of socialist systems in East Europe. The rot of socialist state was disclosed when the working class, spearheaded by the Gdansk shipyard workers led a protest movement in the early 1980s and soon it was evident that the movement was broad-based with various segments of society on board including the powerful but somewhat dormant Catholicism. A Pole at the apex of church hierarchy surely helped. But the late John Paul ll was more than a communist-buster; he showed his love for the suffering humanity and spoke out against violence and oppression. He set an amazing example of love and forgiveness when he visited his attempted assassin at his prison cell and forgave him.

In moments of collective grief, words play a very important role in conveying feelings. Emotions are best channelled if they find appropriate phrases. Texts assume a special position and deserve a careful analysis. Beneath the texts lie subtexts that also call for a deeper understanding. It is important to consider who is saying what and why. Are the statements and the texts through which these messages are channelled innocent? What are the hidden meanings, the subtexts that go with the texts? We look at the same event through our respective lenses. As we consider the event, we must also examine the lenses through which the event is seen. Historians have made remarkable contributions to knowledge by examining the meanings and interpretations of not just the past events but also such intangibles as memory and memorialization. Why and how do people make things memorable? Less attention, if any, has been given to contemporary processes of collective grief and more specifically, condolence.

A character in a Bengali novel upon hearing that his peon has lost a younger sister to some mysterious disease gave him some money and later confided that it is easier to give money than to give condolence. What to do and say to express oneï¿½s sympathy is not always the easiest task for an individual and there are huge cultural differences in such rituals. But modern states and their leaders are quite savvy in expressing their ï¿½feelingsï¿½ of condolence. And in expressing such feelings they reveal not only about the personality being condoled but the political agenda of the nations articulating the condolence.

Consider the following:

President Fidel Castro of Cuba, one of the few leaders around the world who outlasted the Pope in office, credited the Pope for being a ï¿½tireless fighter for the friendship among nations, enemy of war, and friend of the poorï¿½ (emphasis added). Mark the choice of phrases: ï¿½enemy of warï¿½ and ï¿½friend of the poorï¿½. It is also worth noticing that the Castro government allowed a large mass to pray for the departed Pope. Since the communist revolution of 1959, religion was relegated to the margin but now it is back.

The late Pope John Paul has been credited with a role in dismantling communism in the East Bloc, a movement that began in Poland, his own homeland. Now it makes sense for President Castro to say something that is ideologically on his side. No one can deny that the Pope was against war including the first Gulf war as well as the war to remove Mr. Saddam Hussein. By invoking the phrase ï¿½enemy of warï¿½, a poignant point was made. Popeï¿½s support for the poor is also well documented. Here Popeï¿½s philosophy is not different from that of the true socialists. No wonder ï¿½liberation theologyï¿½ was a potent force in the predominantly Catholic Latin America. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the Pope would be remembered for his travels and because he preached world peace, citing the pontiff's opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias said he had a lot of time for him ... "he was very human ... I had a lot of warmth and affection for him ... that's life, he has fulfilled his task." Chavez singled out the Pope's condemnation of the invasion of Iraq as "immoral and illegal" (emphasis added). Chavez, a popularly elected leader himself has been targets of US policy makers and has been a survivor so far of covert and overt interventionist policies aimed at his ouster. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said Colombians were "divided between sadness for his passing and joy for his example and message" and were being "called upon to reflect upon peace in this country. If we can make it happen and the next generation lives in happiness, His Holiness will look upon us with a smile and joy." This statement is remarkably non-political which reflects Colombian non-political position in the world at this moment. From Latin America, letï¿½s turn to Asia and start with a reformed Communist regime. In less than three decades after Vietnamï¿½s victory over the forces of imperialism, Vietnam is in the throes of capitalist globalization. Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of Vietnam sent a message of condolences to the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano over the death of Pope John Paul II. President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFF CC), Pham The Duyet also sent a message of condolences which said: Pope John Paul II was the religious leader who had made great contributions to promoting peace and reconciliation, condemning genocide and war crimes and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Vietnam was the second largest Catholic country in Asia after the Philippines where religion took a back seat under communism and now making a return under a changed politico-economic circumstance. Vietnam does not want to remember the old wounds and its message was well dressed up. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the people of her country "received the news of his death with a deep sense of grief and loss. He was a holy champion of the Filipino family and of profound Christian values that make every one of us contemplate what is just, moral and sacred in life." The focus on family is interesting so is the philosophical overtone. Absent are war, peace, truth and justice. Liu Jianchao, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement expressing his country's condolences. Liu's statement said in part, "We hope the Vatican, under the new pope, will create conditions conducive to the improvement of relations with China." Religious activity by any group not specifically permitted by the government is banned in China. Nor does China recognize the Vatican's authority over Catholics in that country. A tone of reconciliation is a good move. China needs recognition as a member of global community yet it is less enthusiastic in embracing the globalized religiosity all the way. In East Timor, President Xanana Gusmao said the Pope's 1989 visit to the island while it was still suffering under Indonesian rule "helped to break down the wall of silence and indifference of the international community." The leader of the tiny new state in Asia had to acknowledge the Popeï¿½s contribution in their liberation struggle candidly. "Timor-Leste had the honor of receiving His Holiness Pope John Paul II in difficult moments of our struggle for the recognition of the right to self determination and independence," Gusmao said. Even in countries where Catholics are a minority, the pope was recalled fondly. The chairman of Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization, the Muhammadiyah, praised the Pope's work for global peace. Iranï¿½s President Mohammad Khatami has sent an official message of condolence over the death of Pope John Paul II, praising the late pontiff as a seeker of ï¿½truth, justice and peaceï¿½. In a condolence message to Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, President Mohammad Khatami described him as a disciple of religious mysticism, philosophic deliberation and thought and artistic and poetic creativity. Mark the words: truth, justice, and peace. We will return to these words. Suffice it is to say that Iran wants to engage with the world as a representative of an old civilization. It does not want the pariah status. In 2001 it was at the insistence of President Khatami that the United Nations declared that year as the year of civilizational dialogue which unfortunately ended in huge terrorist attacks and wars. Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said "Israel, the Jewish people and the entire world lost today a great champion of reconciliation and brotherhood between the faiths." "The Jewish people will remember the pope, who bravely put an end to historic injustice by officially rejecting prejudices and accusations against Jews," Israel's President Moshe Katsav told Israel Radio. Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope John Paul II, calling him "a great champion of reconciliation and brotherhood between the faiths" who strived for closer relations with Israel and the Jewish people. Israel was stating the facts and did not try to put a spin. For political spin, we turn to the Palestinian leadership. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the world has lost "a very important religious figure who dedicated his life to peace and justice for all." According to the Palestinian leader, the pope will be remembered "as a distinguished religious figure, who devoted his life to defending the values of peace, freedom and equality." Letï¿½s keep these three key words in mind: peace, freedom and equality. "He was a leader that fought for peace in the world, was against the war in Iraq and even wanted a free Palestine. He was an outstanding figure," Ahmad Syafi'i Maarif, a Palestinian spokesman said. Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, told UPI that the movement is expressing its feeling of solidarity and grief for losing the leader of Christians the world over. "In this respect we recall the Pope's statements that he always made, mainly when he called for giving the Palestinians their legitimate rights of freedom and independence," said Abu Zuhri. He said that Hamas movements as well as the Palestinian people ï¿½are calling on the Pope's successor to keep the same position that opposes the occupation and its crimes against Moslems and Christians in Palestine." It is often overlooked that Palestineï¿½s population comprises 20% Christians and the fight for the Palestinians is not strictly a religious conflict but a struggle for the right of self determination of a people. The reactions of the Palestinians reflected that yearning. They wanted the Popeï¿½s charisma to sanctify their struggle. In South Asia, another major abode for the Muslims, the reactions were equally quick and forthcoming. "His Holiness dedicated his life to the emancipation of humanity, particularly the victims of conflict and deprivation ... I join you in prayers for the eternal peace of the departed holy soul," Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed said. Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, told the country's state news agency that the pope had brought people belonging to different faiths closer and had "rendered incredible services for peace." Pope John Paul II had rendered incredible services for peace. The Pope had brought people closer belonging to different faiths," the official Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Musharraf as saying in his condolence message. Christians in Pakistan would mourn the death of the pontiff for seven days with special prayers and masses for him, Chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance Shahbaz Bhatti told the agency. "The Pope saved the world from a clash of civilizations by his efforts to create inter-faith harmony and intra-religious dialogueï¿½He was a symbol of religious dignity and a champion of human rights." Bhatti said. Religious minorities in Pakistan are often victimized and they needed all the support they could muster for their rights. The government of India declared a three-day mourning period, and President Abdul Kalam described the pope as a church leader and statesman who worked for the needy and the oppressed. The Indian President, in his message said, "I am deeply saddened on the passing away of Pope John Paul II", adding that the world has lost a statesman who worked for human dignity and freedom throughout his life. "He tirelessly worked for peace on this planet and to establish an international order based on equality and justice," Kalam's message added. As worldï¿½s largest democracy and home to over 100 million Muslims, India has been a major protagonist of human dignity and human freedom. So there was little surprise.

We do not deal with the responses from African leaders in great details except the following sample. President Kagame described His Holiness the Pope as a caring father, shepherd and a man who immensely inspired the world. "At a time when the world was experiencing a great drift away from the fundamental human rights, the Pope advocated for social justice and a call for human rights," Kagame added in the message sent to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. He said that the people of Rwanda have for a long time benefited from

Now letï¿½s turn to Europe:

Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. expressed his sorrow in face of Pope John Paul IIï¿½s death on Saturday night. In a statement he said "I wish to express my deep sorrow on learning of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II".

"To the Vatican and to the entire Catholic community, the European Commission offers its condolences. I send a special message of solidarity to the Polish nation which has known in Karol Woytjila one of its most distinguished sons," he added

The European Commission President said that John Paul II will be remembered as someone who played an essential role in the reunification of Europe and in the advance of ideas of freedom and democracy in our continent. "Europeans will never forget his struggle for peace and human dignity," he continued.

Jose Manuel Barroso concluded by saying that "His disappearance leaves a void in the hearts of all those, believers and non believers, who have been inspired by his example of courage and humanity." Leaders of heavily Catholic countries joined in expressing the grief of their people. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the pope's death"represents the loss of one of the most towering world figures in recent history." Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said Italians are "mourning the loss of a father" who will be remembered as a man of freedom and justice. Irish President Mary McAleese said Pope John Paul's story "is that of a man of immense faith and conviction and, in latter years, great personal courage. He engaged with human culture and civilization in every aspect and in every corner of the world." President Jacques Chirac of France said Pope John Paul was "an enlightened and inspired priest," who "devoted himself to responding to the search for sense and the thirst for justice that is expressed today on all continents." Walesa was joined by current and former leaders of former Soviet countries in crediting the pope's role in peacefully changing the Soviet regime. Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said Pope John Paul's role as a champion of improved relations among all peoples, countries, civilizations and religions brought him the respect of millions throughout the world. "His place in history has long been ensured. Now he has taken his place in eternity," he said. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev called the pope "the No. 1 humanist on the planet." A great line with a hint of genuineness after all, Gorbachev is not the President of a nation at the moment. Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany thanked the pope for helping lift the yoke of communism from Europe. Former Czech President Vaclav Havel said he remembered "immense joy" when hearing in 1978 that Krakow Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope. "I even think that we were so delighted that we danced for joy," he said."We felt that he was a great and charismatic man who will open the door to an unprecedented renaissance of Christianity and, through it, to human spirituality in general and who will fundamentally influence the future destiny and political order of the world." In England, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the world had lost a leader who was revered by people of all faiths. "He never wavered, never flinched, in the struggle for what he thought was right and good," he said. Australian Prime Minister John Howard called Pope John Paul "a pillar of strength and an apostle of peace." "He was not only a great moral and religious figure, but he was also a very significant political figure in the best sense of that term," Howard said. He said he fondly remembered his talks with the pope during a visit to Rome two years ago." Although his health had then begun to fade, he retained a lively sense of humor, a fond recollection of Australia," Howard said. Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin said as pope "this noble son of Poland achieved an extraordinary impact, not only as a source of spiritual guidance, but as a true apostle of peace." He said Pope John Paul's visits to Canada, especially his 1987 trip to the native peoples in the North and his participation in World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002, were particularly important and unforgettable. "Throughout his papacy, and in his final days, we were all -- regardless of religious belief -- privileged and moved to bear witness to the grace, courage and resolve of this remarkable man. Our grief today is the grief of the world," Martin said. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said after Pope John Paul II died on Saturday that the world has lost a religious leader who was revered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike for his "unflinching" struggle for what he believed was good and right. And this is what former Prime Minister and the Cold Warrior Margaret Thatcher had to say: ï¿½We should remember Pope John Paul II not just as the greatest Pope of modern times but also as a valiant fighter for the truth," she said. ï¿½His life was a long struggle against the lies employed to excuse evil. By combating the falsehoods of communism and proclaiming the true dignity of the individual, his was the moral force behind victory in the Cold War. Millions owe him their freedom and self-respect. The whole world is inspired by his example...ï¿½ It is not surprising that the Papal role in the fight against communism will be remembered by a former leader of the so-called Free World.

Canadian leaders paid tribute to Pope John Paul II, with Prime Minister Paul Martin calling him "a true apostle of peace". "His wide-ranging travels, even at an advanced age and despite ill health, were an expression of his determination to use every opportunity to promote international reconciliation and respect for democratic values and human rights," Martin said in a statement. Pope John Paul II "was the number one humanist on this planet", former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev said early on Sunday, reacting to the pope's death. "The pope was able to do a lot not only for Catholics, but for the whole world," Gorbachev told the Itar-Tass news agency. German Chancellor Gerhard Schrï¿½der said that Pope John Paul II had "changed our world" and played a major role in the development of a peaceful Europe. President Jacques Chirac of France said Pope John Paul was "an enlightened and inspired priest," who "devoted himself to responding to the search for sense and the thirst for justice that is expressed today on all continents." What were most interesting were US President Bushï¿½s reactions. United States President George Bush paid tribute to Pope John Paul II in a brief appearance shortly after the pope's death, calling him a "champion of human freedom". Here's an excerpt of President Bush's statement -- and orders the US flag lowered to half-mast. ï¿½.. Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home. ï¿½ All the recent US led wars were ï¿½justifiedï¿½ in the name of freedom. Freedom became the leading metaphor in the propaganda machine of the United States. From ï¿½Operation Enduring Freedomï¿½ to ï¿½Freedom Friesï¿½, freedom captured the imagination of all those in favor of the war against Iraq. Later it was not lost on President Bush that many leaders took advantage of the Popeï¿½s anti-war position to conduct shadow boxing with him. After meeting the Ukranian President Viktor Yushchenko, Bush said of the Pope, ï¿½Of course he was a man of peace, and he didnï¿½t like warï¿½. Former President Clinton said the pope had demonstrated support for NATO action to end genocide in Bosnia and Kosovo. ï¿½I think he favored defensive wars, if you will, or wars in defense of innocent people being slaughteredï¿½, Clinton said. For Clinton, ï¿½John Paul ï¿½may have had a mixed legacyï¿½. In a statement released shortly after the announcement of the pope's death, Clinton and his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton said: "In speaking powerfully and eloquently for mercy and reconciliation to people divided by old hatreds and persecuted by abuse of power, the Holy Father was a beacon of light not just for Catholics, but for all people." U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that apart from the pope's role as a spiritual guide "he was a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical self-evaluation by the church itself."

Popeï¿½s life time has seen holocaust, the carnage of the World War ll and the subsequent wars and little peace, it was also a witness to hunger, famine, deprivation, the rise and collapse of socialist systems, ethnicides in Central Europe, and Rwanda and Burundi and the war in Iraq that he opposed. Phrases such as peace, justice, truth, and freedom are potent words. The world is in need of peace, which will result form an end to violence. It needs justice because injustice cannot be the basis of peace. We need truth to uproot injustices and we need freedom to search for the truth. Freedom is a means as much as it is an end.

We may be somewhat sceptical about the presentation of collective grief and the manipulation of the situation to push forward national and social agenda but at the end of the day we cannot deny that we need all these values to underwrite our common civilization.

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Dr. Habibul Haque Khondker teaches Sociology at the National University of Singapore.

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