A Man For All Seasons

In one week the world will wait for white smoke to curl up from the Sistine Chapel. The smoke will be a signal that a new Pope has been chosen. On an October evening in 1978 smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel telling the world John Paul the second had been chosen as the new Pope. The faithful gathered at St. Peters Square as they waited for words from their new Pope. John Paul's first words were "Be not afraid". Pope John Paul the second died Saturday after a providential life. In the post Berlin Wall World he did so much to shape the world. In the twenty six years he sat in St. Peters Chair many would come to admire him and to disagree with him. John Paul's teachings on marriage and homosexuality stired strong feelings in the worlds population. In western chistianity, most find themselves centered in a series of Thou Shalt Nots when they try to interpret John Paul's teachings. To fully understand the teachings of Christianity it is important not to confuse modern man with an American lileral. Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit is all powerful and moves in mysterious ways. More than a quarter century ago we were given a man of powerful intellect, courage and determination who possessed wisdom and charity in ample measure and whose patient and work for his church and humanity was crowned with unusual success. We must pray his successor is worthy of such a rich heritage.