(MADISON) - Dozens of area Catholics pay their respects to Pope John Paul II.
At the UW's Catholic Center, Father Randy Timmerman led followers through a noon funeral mass for the pontiff.
Timmerman says the event promotes a sense of union with the whole church, describing the event as the celebration of a gift that God has given to the world in the form of the humble pope.
He explains the pope's efforts to unify Catholics worldwide will only enhance his legacy.
“The real power of his life is being proclaimed in his death. His message takes on greater importance after he has lived; couldn't help but think of Christ, himself, his real strength came after his death," says Timmerman.
Timmerman describes the pope as a tireless advocate for human rights.
