[Aussie Dasher]

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

From all reports, Benedict was going to follow in John Paul's footsteps in the regard. Maybe he's preparing...

[onyx]

I loved JPII and couldn't stand the thought of losing him, but I have to be completely honest, B-16 has totally captured my heart.

[american colleen]

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

I think all popes get out there and 'lay it on the line' but they each have their own personal way of doing it.

It seems to me, the more I read B16's books, that he believes lex orandi: lex credendi, i.e., the law of prayer is the law of belief. From a beautiful and reverent prayer (the Mass) flows our beautiful and reverent belief. The first guides the latter... but this also works in opposite. B16 will it seems, set the standard for the Mass - raising the bar around the world.

I love JPII but some of the Masses he said were not as inspiring as for instance, his funeral Mass.

[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.

[Pio]

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

We have had priests raping children en masse here in Boston, with Bishops transferring the rapists around. The Boston Cardinal got promoted! Where did JPII lay anything on the line?

Children are now safer with JPII in the ground.