Cardinal Karol Wojtyła of Poland was elected the 264th pope and took the name John Paul II on Oct. 16, 1978.He served as Pope until his death in 2004. "Pope John Paul II, whose 26-year papacy helped defeat Communism in Europe but left a Roman Catholic Church divided over his rigorous orthodoxy" (Reuter).
In the nearly 3 decades of his service as Pope, John Paul II took many actions that surprised, confounded, mystified, and sometimes angered the world that watched him. Conservative on many issues, he often departed radically from the "norm" or the "predictable" behavior expected of him - yet no one has ever said he betrayed his own "web of belief"
He apologized for the Catholic Church's actions (inactions) during the Holocaust. He pushed for peace, religious and political freedoms, and human rights around the globe. He was immensely popular with all ages, and he used to sneak away from the Vatican to go skiing. As his own infirmities grew, it was said he stood as an example of how to age with fortitude, faith, and grace. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the U.S. National Medal of Honor, beloved of Catholics and non-Catholics alike (work is afoot to make him a Saint), Pope John Paul II is a hero to millions for a million different reasons. If you are one of his fans, let's hear your reasons. . .
3 comments:
I am not to big on being a Pope John fan but he was alright to me. But I didnt know that he had change his name to Pope John Paul II.
I cannot read who wrote this - is it "re"? The name is messed up on my screen for some reason.
Popes always rename themselves - I think it helps them objectify their roles as Church leaders and separate the role from the man.
I mean what he is saying is right. That statement is completely true. Just because you like something does not mean it gives you freedom.
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