A papal canonization doubleheader (Catholic Caucus)

Archdiocese of Denver ^ | Oct 15, 2013 | George Weigel

[RCB-Catholic]

I doubt that Pope Francis has heard of Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame shortstop. But like “Mr. Cub,” whose love for baseball led him to exclaim “Let’s play two!” before Sunday doubleheaders in the 1950s, the pope from the end of the world seems to think that papal canonizations are better in tandem: hence the Sept. 30 announcement that Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II will be canonized together on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014.

Predictably, the decision caused some unhappiness in some quarters.

Some Poles wanted John Paul II canonized by himself. Some who welcomed the decision to canonize John XXIII are disgruntled that “their” pope has to share the billing with the pope they think hijacked John XXIII’s Vatican II. The aggrieved Poles should (and most will) recognize that, while John Paul II brought uniquely Polish insights and experiences to the papacy, he now belongs to the entire world Church. The aggravated partisans of John XXIII should, but probably won’t, concede that the “John XXIII” they’ve have constructed in their imaginations bears little resemblance to the real John XXIII, and that the charge of Council hijacking is ludicrous.

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TOPICS: Catholic; Religion & Culture
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[RCB-Catholic]

In fact, it might be reasonably speculated that Pope Francis liked the idea of a papal canonization doubleheader precisely because it will underscore the continuity between John XXIII’s intention and John Paul II’s authoritative interpretation of Vatican II: Vatican II was intended to prepare the Church for the challenges of evangelization in late modernity, an intention realized by John Paul II’s use of the Council’s teaching to launch the world Church into the new evangelization of the third millennium.

[namvolunteer]

J23 needs JPII’s cover to get in.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I’m in the cheering section for Pius XII.

[nickcarraway]

I don’t think Pope Francis is really behind this considering the total bashing he’s give John Paul II.

[vladimir998]

Ha! Some would say you have that backwards!

[vladimir998]

Let’s say he has bashed JP II - which I have not seen. Wouldn’t it be perfect then to have a combined canonization ceremony to downplay JPII a bit?

[nickcarraway]

Well, Pope Francis has made it clear he doesn’t approve of what’s been going on in the Church, and it’s leadership. How could he approve of the man who was in charge for almost 30 years, and whose right hand man followed him? If you read what he said, he’s clearly attacking John Paul II.

[Biggirl]

But Pope Francis cannot deny that it was Blessed John Paul II who helped both Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher take down the Berlin Wall.

Having Blessed John XXIII declared a saint is an added bonus.