It struck me, watching the coverage of John Paul II’s death and the election of Joseph Ratzinger as Benedict XVI, that non-Catholics were generally more inclined to praise the late pope and to feel somewhat welcoming toward his successor than many Catholics were. There are good reasons for both the positive and the wary-if not downright negative-reactions. John Paul II (...)
Columnists
The New Pope
An Orthodox View
The remainder of this article is only available to paid subscribers. If you’re not currently a Commonweal subscriber in print or online, an online-only subscription costs just $34 a year. Click here for immediate access.


