Pope John Paul II unquestionably changed the way people think a Pope should act. He was a true pastor of the Roman Catholic Church who was always meeting with his parishoners instead of hiding in the Vatican. He helped free his native Poland from oppression, yet he refused to support violent revolts in Latin America. He deserves the title John Paul the Great and will hopefully be beatified as well. Gerrit Meyer, Cleveland, US

So many have described this man as one of outstanding love, compassion,and morality. These commodities were not dispensed freely to all in the true spirit of Christianity. Where, for example, were they given to the sexually abused, the women of his flock that were treated no better than servants or breeding stock, and those that fate endowed with a different sexuality? Sharon Chirgwin, Darwin, Australia

Those who criticise the Pope must remember that his primary role was not to benefit our earthly lives, but to guide us to our spiritual home in Heaven. This he did with unflinching courage thoughout his life. Alan Burns, Middlesborough, UK

No matter your religion, or no religion, Pope John Paul II became an extremely influential world leader while following church guidelines set down nearly 2000 years ago...a difficult task. Tom Leee, New York, US

I think there are too many who want to judge John Paul II based on their moral or ideological beliefs, not his or the historical beliefs of the Church he headed. It was not John Paul's role to change the Church to comply with your views; it was his role to lead his Church and, perhaps, change your views. Charles Calvano, London, UK

To credit John Paul II with a leading role in the downfall of communism in Europe is like crediting a parent, who encourages their child from the sidelines, with success in the football match. Many people backed the call for communist countries to become democracies. Don’t confuse this with an active role in the process. Margaret Nelson, Sydney, Australia

It would be nice to believe in an afterlife where John Paul II would have to meet the millions who have died because of his views on contraception and abortion. D Wells, Tonbridge, UK