Is it just a Square or was it really named Notre Dame Square before?
If it was named Notre dame Square which means dedicated to the Blessed Mother --Mary-- I would say it is really not appropriate to change that name for a mere Pope.
Now no matter what you thought of Pope John II his status in heaven is nowhere near that of the Mother of Christ.
It should not be on earth either.
Now no matter what you thought of Pope John II his status in heaven is nowhere near that of the Mother of Christ.
It should not be on earth either.
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I think that, while the cathedral there was named for Our Lady (Notre Dame), the square was named for the cathedral rather than directly for Mary. So, changing its name to honor JPII is no disrespect to the Blessed Mother, IMO.