Priest tells how troops heard news of Pope's passing

Rev. Donald Rutherford, a priest of the Albany Diocese, is currently serving in Iraq as an Army chaplain.

Being "over there" gave him a unique perspective on the death of Pope John Paul II. Via email, he shared what happened with The Evangelist:

"When we got the news of the Pope's death, it was 11:30 at night in Iraq. Most troops were asleep. On Sunday, it was the lead story in the news, and we remembered him at liturgies that day.

"The readings for that day were all about peace and reconciliation, which were very important themes in the Holy Father's life, and certainly very much in the hearts and minds of the troops.

"Most of our soldiers are very young and know no other leader of the Church except John Paul. Many feel as if they have lost some of their youth; a chapter in their lives has now closed. Our soldiers have had many questions about the conclave and election process. Many of the commanders and Protestant chaplains have come to visit to offer their condolences.

"Our troops are great, truly the newest greatest generation. Faith means a great deal to them. Their faith helps them do their jobs. The Church has been with them before, is with them when they are deployed and will continue to sustain their faith long after they have returned home.

"I hope that the man selected to be the next Holy Father will continue the outreach of John Paul and have a concern for all people, no matter what faith they may profess.

"NBC news stopped by to film our Sunday Mass the day after the Pope died. They had a great shot of one of our young officers praying and some good shots of our choir. I am glad they were filmed [because] the Church is the people, and the Army here is about the great soldiers.

"Please pray for us!"

(Reported by Pat Pasternak, staff writer.)

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