POPE John Paul's passing dominated the lives of Catholics last week, and the attention of those who are not Catholics.

I respect him as a great leader for good who contributed decisively to the freedom of Eastern Europeans from Communism.

In his travels he was prepared to reach out and join with those of different faiths as equals in humanity. Thankfully, others have done the same and that was the task he set himself.

I believe that heaven (good) and hell (evil) are within us all, to choose between in our actions, and I pray for extra strength when misfortune faces me.

My faith in people shows that, if I treat them with respect and good will, irrespective of who they are and what they have, but reserve the right to stand by my own values, the goodness in people comes through without persuasion.

I cannot honestly choose a religion worthy of my loyalty and trust without conditions. If I were to make lists of objections which I could not agree to, for all those I know of, some would be long and there would be no clean sheets. Do I lack faith? I have good communion with most people I know.

George Appleby,

Leighton Croft,

Clifton, York.

Updated: 10:42 Monday, April 11, 2005