Pope John Paul II died today at 1:37 pm CT.

Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. ... "The Holy Father died this evening at 9:37 p.m. (2:37 p.m. EST) in his private apartment. All the procedures outlined in the apostolic Constitution `Universi Dominici Gregis' that was written by John Paul II on Feb. 22, 1996, have been put in motion." ...

Since his surprise election in 1978, John Paul traveled the world, inspiring a revolt against communism in his native Poland and across the Soviet bloc, but also preaching against consumerism, contraception and abortion.

John Paul was a robust 58 when the cardinals stunned the world and elected the cardinal from Krakow, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

I offer St. Brigid's Prayer in honor of his passing.

Lo, unbroken silence, I adore thee.
Forsake me not during my time of prayer.
Guardian angels, convene around me.

Shimmering dreams foretell that I may see
The path God has chosen for me with such care.
Guardian angels, convene around me.
Lo, unbroken silence, I adore thee.

Don't forget to read The Anchoress for her well-written and touching thoughts during her live-blog.

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