[Byron_the_Aussie]

..the Pope was against godless communist suppression. I guess the feigned religous brutal suppression by Saddam doesn't cut it...

No, it doesn't.

There is no possible comparison between a pipsqueak like Saddam, and the might of the Soviet Bloc, at the time John Paul II decided to face it down.

Look, I apologise if I went overboard back there. I just feel very strongly that we Freepers should show a bit of respect for someone who has accomplished so much; so much, for all of us. Goodnight.

[Smile-n-Win]

I just feel very strongly that we Freepers should show a bit of respect for someone who has accomplished so much; so much, for all of us.

I agree with you on this.

[Robert_Paulson2]

John Paul II decided to face it down.

---

I don't really think JP "faced" the soviets down. I do not believe he was responsible for tearing down the wall. I think you have an exaggerated view of his place in world events. I think he is a good man. BUT he did NOT bring down the soviets. WE did. that is the USA and her allies. but primarily ronald reagan.

JP was wise to position himself on OUR side... but he was NOT the backbone or the muscle of the operation... in my view. If it makes YOU feel better as a Catholic to believe that JP was the big hero... more power to you. But, it sounds rather ridiculous...

The "I will not support a war" JP... demanding to gorby... "MR. GORBYCHAFFF, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL..." and then a shake of Peter's staff... didn't actually happen.

In fact, it seems out of character for anything I have seen the pontiff do publicly, EVER. He does seem willing to side with the Russians and the FRENCH to keep us from killing off the mastermind and financial backer of 9-11 and a HOST of other worldwide atrocities... particularly the paid murdering of Jews in Israel... SADAAM INSANE... you are welcome to your opinion Byron... and it IS appreciated, but many of us, even loyal Catholics do NOT agree. JP is wrong with this decision if it is what is being touted to be. WRONG... and he needs to get his OWN house in order, before he starts lecturing us morally on ours. IF the vatican is a nation, with representation in the UN... then it needs to get it's own house in order... and to MANY MANY folks, Catholics included... the house of vaticus is in a high level of disorder.

The speck in america's eye... not as critical as the LOG in rome's, to many catholics.

[Kevin Curry]

The Pope has interjected himself into a debate in Caesar's sphere. He must expect to be criticized.

[patriciaruth]

There is no possible comparison between a pipsqueak like Saddam, and the might of the Soviet Bloc,

Thanks to Gulf War I and President George H.W. Bush, forty-first President of the United States.

All of which goes to prove the wisdom of nipping a would-be Nebuchadnezzar in the bud.