Verklaring Barroso bij overlijden paus Johannes Paulus II (en)

"I wish to express my deep sorrow on learning of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. To the Vatican and to the entire Catholic community, the European Commission offers its condolences. I send a special message of solidarity to the Polish nation which has known in Karol Wojtyla one of its most distinguished sons.

John Paul II will be remembered as someone who played an essential role in the reunification of Europe and in the advance of ideas of freedom and democracy in our continent. Europeans will never forget his struggle for peace and human dignity.

I had the enormous privilege of knowing this great European and world figure. His disappearance leaves a void in the hearts of all those, believers and non believers, who have been inspired by his example of courage and humanity."