Ruslana cancelled her appearance in an award show in Greece, television shows and several other events she was scheduled to appear to show respect for the Pope, who died last Saturday. Ruslana once met Pope John Paul II during his visit to Lviv (Ukraine).

“I was delighted to be able to meet Pope John Paul II. His light aura will always stay in my memory. Despite physical death, the spirit of this great person will stay with us forever”, Ruslana said in a reaction on the Pope's death.

Ruslana, who is in Israel today, said to the team of her official website: “The Pope has united people of various nationalities and believes. The work he has done is a unique example of peace making and charity for all of us. I will always stay a role model for me. I plan to organize a charity concert during the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in order to give money raised to the sick children. We should always remember what Pope John Paul II has taught us and unite our prayers for Holly Father”.

John Paul II was a popular Pope among catholics all over the world and particulary in Poland, where he was born. However, the catholic church has been critisized too because of their policy on gay rights and preservatives.

Ruslana won last year's Eurovision Song Contest and will host the 2005 edition together with DJ Pasha and Volodymyr Klytschko.