[Notwithstanding]

You don't read much, do you? (no need to answer)

CIA director Casey is the one who made it clear how HUGE the pope's role was in the downfall of the USSR.

[Sam Cree]

Thanks for posting this, I feel a little better after reading the quote in context, though I still do not like it that well.

"The vast contemporary movement in favor of peace - which, according to Vatican Council II, is not reduced to a 'simple absence of war' - demonstrates this conviction of men of every continent and culture.""

I must disagree with the Pope in that, IMO, the folks in the "vast contemporary movement in favor of peace," are not really that interested in peace. My belief is that they are more using the pretext of a desire for peace to pursue anti Americanism.

However, I believe the Pope to be a good and even Holy man.