Pope John Paul II -- Beliefnet.com

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What the Pope Meant to You

Paul Wilkes
Dispatches from Rome

Charlotte Hays
John Paul the Great?

Photo Gallery
Scenes from his travels.

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The Heroic Papacy
From his ecumenical work to his travels to his saintmaking, John Paul II revitalized the Office of Peter. By George Weigel

A Holy Father Who Knew the Father's Word
The pope understood that the Bible is at the heart of Catholicism. By Scott Hahn

The World Mourns
Statements by political and religious leaders

THE CHURCH:

He centralized and transformed the church itself. By David Gibson

U.S. Catholics adored the pope but often ignored his teachings.

PROTESTANTS:

Evangelicals loved his social stands

WOMEN:

He emphasized women's separate role

JEWS:

A Hero for Jews By Rabbi David Rosen

His recognition of Jewish suffering transformed Jewish-Catholic relations. By David Klinghoffer

MUSLIMS:

He healed age-old wounds between Islam and Christianity. By Akbar S. Ahmed

COMMUNISM:
"Be not afraid," said the Holy Father. We stopped being afraid--and brought down Communism. By Lech Walesa

CRITICS:

John Paul II was a brave, holy man. But his authoritarian style--especially on sexual doctrines--polarized the Church. By Fr. Andrew Greeley

His style and views drove Catholics away from the Church.
Q&A with John Cornwall

Papal biographer Tad Szulc believed he inspired millions but alienated many.

The pope who loved too much. By Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

BASICS:

Timeline of John Paul's Pontificate

Milestones: Countries visited, saints made, cardinals named & more

The Pope's Travels: Where he went and when

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

From Mourning to Conclave: The schedule of events

Q&A on Selecting the Next Pope

The Contenders
Conservative or liberal? European or Third World? What the cardinals will consider when choosing the next pope. By David Gibson

Top 14 Possible Successors

The Next Pope and the Third World

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Take the survey about the future of the Catholic Church

What if you could choose the next pope? Sign up now to place your vote

MAPS: Where Are the World's Catholics?
Compare 1950 to 2000

	What is Pope John Paul II's most important legacy?
	Reaching out to others through travel & more
	Improving interfaith relations
	Upholding the sanctity of life
	Inspiring young people
	Speaking out for the poor
	Promoting peace in the world
	Exemplifying dignity in suffering
	His role in the downfall of Communism
View Results

A Great Christian Witness
He truly believed that Jesus Christ is the answer to the question that is every human life. By George Weigel

John Paul II's Biblical Vision
By Scott Hahn

Prayers of John Paul II

Audio: "It Is He, Jesus Christ"
Hear John Paul II speak in this one-minute audio clip (courtesy EWTN; free RealPlayer required).

Audio: "The Source of My Vocation"
An actor reads from the pope's book "Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way" (courtesy Audible.com; Windows Media Player required)

Why Pray?
The pope's reflection on why prayer is necessary to Christian life.

Q&A: Understanding John Paul II's Theology
Related link: Papal Encyclicals

The Pope's "Theology of the Body"
John Paul II's statements on sexual love

Have questions about John Paul II, the Catholic Church, or how the next pope will be chosen? Check our FAQ. Can't find the answer? Email Beliefnet expert Charlotte Allen.

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