FWIW, lots of us non-Catholics think the same of Pope John Paul II. Great man, great moral leader who deserves to stand alongside Reagan and Thatcher for winning the Cold War.
Not even a question on that.
JPII was a Pope that held the respect of people of all faiths.
I got to see Pope John Paul II. Never got to see Rev. Billy Graham. I would love to have seen him. Two of very few people that I would definitely like to see.
I respected Rev. Graham and watched his crusades on tv was very moving when the altar call came and the music, "Just as I am, I come to thee, but that thy blood was shed for me".
But he lost me the night the cruise missiles started flying on the eve of Gulf War I. I voted for Bush 41, tripped and fell down leaving the polling place, I'm not a person of omens but it felt like one somehow." I had reservations about the war but went along with it.
In announcing the war to the country, the cameras were rolling in the White House. There was Bush 41 and Rev. Billy Graham and some others. It was like trying to show God was putting his stamp of approval on the war or why was he there?
As to all the uncertainties, recent criticisms by liberals, may God have mercy on his soul and decide his destiny in eternity, most assuredly better than mine but I wonder if his longsuffering wife deserved it more.
More souls were probably brought to Christ through his ministry than any other human I can think of. And his message was more on point in many ways than many who have come after him.
Amen!