The Legacy of Pope John Paul II

Well done - my good and faithful servant. Thou art blessed as the Pope of popes.


President Bill Clinton created quite a furor yesterday when he said the following:

The Pope centralized authority in the papacy again and enforced a very conservative theological doctrine. There will be debates about that. The number of Catholics increased by 250 million on his watch. But the numbers of priests didn't. He's like all of us - he may have a mixed legacy.

Now, admittedly, the timing of Clinton’s proclamation on the Pope’s legacy may have lacked sensitivity. But only a very narrow-minded (indeed, un-catholic) person would deny the validity of his observation.

Because the legacy of Pope John Paul II must ultimately reconcile the growth of the Church with his teachings that have actually alienated Catholics in almost equal measure. Indeed, many polls indicate that the papal catechism on contraception, sex before marriage, homosexuality, ordination of women priests and married priests have forced a significant majority of Catholics to defy the principle tenets of their faith. And, many blame the Pope for this simmering defiance that threatens to blow the Church asunder.

Moreover, there can be no doubt that just as Monica Lewinsky will haunt the legacy of Bill Clinton; likewise, the Catholic priests who sexually molested children with impunity will haunt the legacy of Pope John Paul II. But, where Clinton was too sensible to draw this sacrilegious analogy, many Catholics have already blasphemed against the Pope for failing to discipline (or even speak out against) the Bishops who enabled these crimes against God’s most innocent children.

After all, why centralize Catholic authority under the papal cloak then fail to exercise it in defense of little children? Surely no answer could be given without making a mockery of the sanctity of papal infallibility.

Suffer the little children to come unto Me...

Nevertheless, an interesting and, perhaps, instructive footnote in the Legacy of Pope John Paul II will be the fact that his Last Will and Testament referred to no material possessions whatsoever. And, this may prove his saving grace.

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