"..I am a staunch supporter of John Paul II,.."
I wouldn't lay this charge at Pope Paul II, REGARDLESS of what the "Vatican" states. Pope Paul has lived a long and valiant life. But I am convinced he is no longer running the show, making decisions, or functioning as the head of the Church. He should be retired to a place of comfort and a new successor chosen.
Somewhere in the depths of the Vatican bureaocracy, contending forces are making decisions and statements and trying to make a place for themselves in the next administration.
Cardinal Law is a criminal. He is guilty of being an accessory after the fact, and possibly even an accessory during and before the fact. He belongs in a prison, not a basilica. Those Vatican functionaries responsible for this outrage belong there with him.
I will agree that the older and sicker JP II gets, the more over-the-top" the statements are that are coming out of the Vatican. I don't think there is anything wrong with JPIIs mind; I still believe he has some control over these types of appointments and he could put the breaks on it. I'm sure we don't know the whole story, but Cardinal Law should be relegated to the gardening position of a monestary in the hillcountry somewhere.
I think the only hope for the Church in the new future is for that successor to be from South America or Africa. JPII is a relic of a bygone era, he proves everday he cannot lead the church thru the coming assault by Islam.
If another euro-weinee is made Pope you can just write off most of Europe as a Islamic protectorate.
I understand that he's been the one making the decisions about all these new, younger orthodox Bishops who are making news these days about upholding Church teachings. That doesn't sound non-functioning to me!