Jaime Cardinal Sin, Requiescat in pace.

The Church has lost a great priest. The people of the Philippines have lost their great defender. The world has lost a great man.

He has gained Heaven.


Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin, an outspoken advocate of democracy who played a key role in the "people power" revolts that ousted two Philippine presidents, died Tuesday. He was 76.

Sin had been ill with kidney problems and diabetes for years and was unable to attend the Vatican conclave that chose a new pope in April, although colleagues said he desperately wanted to go.

Known for his dedication, engaging personality and sense of humor -- he often referred to his residence as "the house of Sin" -- the cardinal was one of Asia's most prominent religious leaders.

Sin served as the moral compass in the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines, where he took vocal, sometimes controversial stances on everything from birth control to poverty, politics and the U.S.-led war in Iraq. He once apologized for church neglect of the poor.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who continued to seek his counsel even after he retired in November 2003, called him "a blessed man who never failed to unite Filipinos during the most crucial battles against tyranny and evil."

"Cardinal Sin leaves a legacy of freedom and justice forged in deep personal courage," Arroyo said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy, in a statement, said: "We recognize his many contributions to the political, spiritual and moral life of the Philippines, and we extend our condolences to his family and to the Catholic faithful."

Aides had to help a weak-looking Sin to the altar toward the end of his tenure as Manila archbishop. But he remained a staunch defender of democracy after he stepped down as head of the archdiocese that he served for nearly three decades.

"As I enter a new chapter in my twilight years, I can say with gratitude that I have given my very best to God and country," he said after the late Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation . "I beg pardon from those I might have led astray or hurt. Please remember me kindly."
(Thanks to Newsday.com and AP)