I think this has been pretty much known for some time.
The Pope knew it. And I think that once he figured this out...and understood his value in the free world...he just became twice as determined to provide leadership in the world. I don't think he even hesitated a second...he just assumed that the hand of God stretched out and forbid his death...so onward he went. When you examine his power over the last ten years....he could easily pick up the phone and call either Bill Clinton or George Bush...and asked for some impossible help...and both would have likely cooperated.