[TradicalRC]

I suppose I'm used to a Pope who gets out there and lays it on the line.

JPII may have laid it on the line, but he never backed up his words with authority and action unless it was to shut down a traditionalist. The abuses continued under his watch. I loved him as a Pope, but I do not think he was necessarily a saint.

[BlackElk]

He drove from identification as "Catholic": "liberation theology," Schillebecx, Kung, Lefebvre, the Econe 4 and SSPX as well as playing a major role in the fall of the Soviet Empire. Also issued Ecclesia Dei to begin restoration of the Tridentine Rite and demonstrated that the Pope and not some excommunicated bishops are IN CHARGE. [Traditionalists (the genuine article) uphold papal authority rather than operationally emulating Luther]. Each a thoroughly worthy effort. I suppose those don't count.

Words/authority/action. Perfect? No. Left work for his successor(s)? Yep. BUT: St. John Paul the Great. Slam dunk.