[ishmac]

Of all the world leadership figures, I feel most reverence and respect for John Paul II and what he has to say.

Me, too. Seeing him in Toronto last summer is something I will never forget. Called to mind Stalin's quip, "How many divisions does the Pope have?" Quite a few, I decided, after looking around the park in Toronto.

It also reminded me of some graffiti I saw in college, which went

God is dead. -- Nietsche

Nietsche is dead. -- God

All the various socialisms have run their course, and the office of the pope has outlasted them all.

[jwfiv]

I saw the Pope when he came to Phoenix, in '86 or so.

One of the most moving photos ever was the one of him in Ali Adja's cell, conveying forgiveness, and having a little heart to heart, with the man who shot him.