The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. In a condolence message he said, "I have received the news of the passing away of Pope John Paul II with deep and profound sadness. Pope John Paul II was a people's Pope who led the Catholic Church through a period of historic changes. He was an iconic figure for nearly three decades, in particular as a beacon of unflinching moral values. The Pope endeared himself specially to the people of India by initiating the process of granting Sainthood to Mother Teresa. He reached out beyond the Church and became an inspiration for many years to people of all faiths. Pope John Paul II came to symbolize the indomitable power and will to freedom for people the world over. Pope John Paul II was a reconciler of religions and a critique of all Isms and, above all, a humanist. We, in India, mourn his passing away and pray for peace for the departed soul."