My wife Ania's mother saw the Pope 5 times during his life, and went to see him while he lay in state in Rome.  One day, perhaps she will tell our (future) children about the journey.

Whatever your position on religion in general, or his views in particular, the Pope made a significant impact on human events, and the celebration of his passing reflects that.  Watching his funeral tonight, I was stunned at the several moments when absolute silence covered the square; this was the world paying respect.

I am not a Catholic, but my wife is, so I have a direct sense of the impact the Pope had on many people.  The memory I will carry with me is of what he gave us through his passing; a reminder that we can in fact, all come together and get along, even if it's just for the space of a few brief moments of silence during a funeral.