Pope John Paul II

Yesterday I ordered "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II" by George Weigel, a book I've meant to read for some time. This photo at Florida Cracker is the way I'll always remember John Paul II. Young, athletic, energetic, a twinkle in his eye. He struck me as the kind of guy you'd love to have on your team. I'm not Catholic, but I have a feeling I'll always think of Karol Joseph Wojtyla as my Pope.

I doubt any Pope previous earned the admiration of so many folks outside his Catholic flock. Even some libertarian bloggers are opining: "Pope John Paul II was one of the great figures of our age. However controversial a figure he may have been for his views on issues like abortion, birth control and capitalism..."

This got me to thinking -- has any major public figure who thought it sufficient to support "safe, legal, and rare" abortion died with the respect and love of as many people as Pope John Paul II?

Just a thought.