Just when you thought everyone agreed to the swift canonization of the late Pope John Paul II, there are theologians who urge Catholics to oppose his elevation to sainthood.
Eleven dissident Catholic theologians from Italy, Spain, Austria and Latin America, including a Jesuit professor named Jose Maria Castillo, have called upon Catholics “to overcome their shyness and timidity and formally express, with gospel freedom, facts which according to their consciences and convictions should be an obstacle to beatification.”
A news report says that the dissident theologians put forward seven reasons why Pope John Paul II should not be canonized:
While the theologians acknowledged John Paul’s papacy had “positive aspects,” their seven-point appeal included criticism of his rigidly conservative stand on such issues as contraception, limitations on the role of women and the sex-abuse scandal that has rocked the church.
The appeal also criticized what it called a lack of control over some of the Vatican’s “murky financial manoeuvres,” specifically naming the Holy See’s relations with Italy’s Banco Ambrosiano, which went bankrupt in 1982.
This piece of news might come as a shock to diehard fans of the late Pontiff. Or as a welcome update to his critics. Thus I hope the Vatican will sincerely listen to the appeal expressed by the 11 dissident theologians and provide a reasonable yet pastoral response to their call. I am quite sure that the Vatican will point out that Pope John Paul II will be evaluated for sainthood not based on his policies and governance as pope but on his personal virtues and spirituality.
As we know all this word/ saying “Nobody’s Perfect”. I believe the work of Karol
Woytila or Pope John Paul ll had/has a big contribution to the Catholic Church world wide
and was also recognized. Thru him or his work something was open, a door/way / line which was closed to the catholic people even to the none catholics too. Specially for the
youth he had giving way a channel or chance that their ideas are heard recognized/ (studied) contribution to the catholic church in a modern generation. He was beloved by
the people thru out the world and still beloved admired appreciated Pope in our History. And
even the none Catholic people loved admired him too.
But each one of us is free to say a comment/criticize and that is one freedom’s GOD has
given us all.
GOD BLESS US .
Father Stephen, do you think it would matter to him or to God whether we elevate him to Saint or not? There are a lot of unknown saints in heaven! It is just a title here but i am sure eventually he’ll be elevated to Saint because his mere presence could actually inspire the best in you… I still remember his visits to Manila, just the sight of him really made me feel closer to God!
I am a great admirer of Pope John Paul II–his intelligence and wittiness as well as his charm were unparalleled in the annalsof the papacy. For one, he was such a person of varied interest that he becomes fully interesting to his followings.
Yet, I believe sainthood can never be instituted by intentional protocols, like fasttracking Pope John Paul’s canonization in such a short while after his death. That would be so unprecedented. I believe that sainthood is like wine, it is tested through the passing of time.
Overall, I think it is really of no moment if Pope John Paul II will one day become a saint or not as long as he will remain in history and in people’s hearts and mind throughout the world as the most beloved pope ever known in recent history.
Pope John Paul 11 makes the heart of every believers and non-belivers a true channel of PEACE and LOVE. He is using the best way to express GOD’S LOVE in a very accessible manners through presenting his own message of LOVE that comes from GOD’S WISDOM. Everybody has it’s own IDEAS, Karol Wojtyla, His charisma – people who met him described it as a “luminescence” – and common touch drew adoring crowds wherever he went. He revolutionized the modern papacy. Where previous pontiffs remained distant, never straying far from the Vatican, John Paul maintained a busy travel schedule.
“The Pope travels to announce the Gospel, to strengthen the brethren in their faith, to consolidate the Church, to meet the people…. They are voyages of love, of peace, of universal brotherhood…. In these meetings with souls, in view of the immensity of the crowds, the modern-day charism of Peter at the crossroads of the world manifests itself” (John Paul II, June 28, 1980). Pope John Paul 11 will remain the same to the heart of the many, He makes Christ the Answer to the deepest desires of the human heart. He does not afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. He open wide the doors to Christ, have love and trust in GOD who is ever faitful. He feels that we are His friend and elder brother in the pilgrimage of our faith.
You forget the non-dissent criticism:
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He invited pagans to worship demons on sacred church ground (Assisi meetings), called for St. John the Baptist to protect Islam, kissed the Qur’an which the Franciscan proto-martyrs refused to kiss, had scantly clad women appear before him in performance (circus performers), kissed the ring of pro-abortionist Anglican bishop Rowan Williams, stated that schismatics can become martyrs (a stark contrast with traditional Catholic teaching stating that a martyr must witness to the Catholic faith), etc.
These scandalous activities have had no apologies attached to them which further intensifies their disgracefulness against the Catholic faith and morals.
Yeah that post kinda went nuts.
Once again then:
He invited pagans to worship demons on sacred church ground (Assisi meetings), called for St. John the Baptist to protect Islam, kissed the Qur’an which the Franciscan proto-martyrs refused to kiss, had scantly clad women appear before him in performance (circus performers), kissed the ring of pro-abortionist Anglican bishop Rowan Williams, stated that schismatics can become martyrs (a stark contrast with traditional Catholic teaching stating that a martyr must witness to the Catholic faith), etc.
These scandalous activities have had no apologies attached to them which further intensifies their disgracefulness against the Catholic faith and morals.
I am definitely in favour of the canonization of Pope John 11 he was such a spiritual man and saintly especially in latter years and the way he bore his pain and suffering