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It is not at all objective. The idea that because this Pope has published an astonishing amount of "teachings"--very few of which have made much of an impression on anybody--and has travelled more than any other pope--some would say to no effect, though it enhanced his celebrity--he therefore will be known someday as John Paul the Great is pushing it. Yes, he helped bring down the Iron Curtain--but what has his papacy done to strengthen the Church in twenty-five years? I can think of only one single accomplishment--he has published the Catechism, deficient as it is. On the negative side, he has not protected the deposit of faith, he has not guarded the Sacred Tradition, he has not punished apostate bishops, he has not elevated distinguished and devout prelates, he has not reformed the corrupt seminaries, he has not staunched the stream of scandals--so what is there to admire? Despite his voluminous publications, can it be said anyone knows this Pope's agenda? Has he any real vision or plan? Is he aware of the bad bishops and the corrupt seminaries? What are his ideas for reforming the hierarchy and the priesthood? Does he have any--or is he relying on whipping up daydreams--as he did with the Jubilee Year fiasco that was supposed to rejuvenate the Church by means of slogans and publicity gimmicks? On almost every front the Church is much worse off now than when he began his reign and not all the felt banners in the world will change this if it lacks inspired leadership. It is a little too facile to blame it all on the sixties and Paul VI's encyclical on birth control as this piece does. Granted the Pope is old--but he lacked direction even in his prime. This Pope has had his chance to make a difference and, for whatever reason, he blew it.