[Brig_Gen_George_P_Harrison_CSA]

John Paul II has commented in the past, in less public venues, that he is very worried about the rise of the Antichrist. It's hard to tell exactly what his fears are based on, seeing that he hasn't provided any writings devoted to the subject, but I do not think it is the doddering of an old man.

With regard to John Paul's attitude towards secular states, I am pleased that he has chosen to make his loyalty to Jesus Christ. I'm a Protestant, but I have come to have a great deal of respect for his convictions.

[Just Dan]

self ping

[Explorer89]

Brrrrrr, this gives me a chill.

[thor76]

Your observation is a good one. Let me concur, and go further by saying that we do not know what he knows. JPII is all too familiar with Scripture, as well as private revelations/prophecies concerning the end times. He is well versed in these things.

Those of us who are Catholic understand that this pope is a "marked man" - a point man in history, who is both an enigma, a stumbling block (to both liberals and conservatives), and a teacher & symbol of Christian hope. We also know that he has personally had private revelations about such things.

We also believe that he is under the special protection of Mary - as the Mother of the Redeemer, and the highest of all men because of her obedience to God, and cooperation in the ministry and redeptive actions of her Son.

So.......he, whiile being a frail and (personally) fallible mortal man, like us all, is in a special position. I would not want to bear his cross.