There are many here on FR who would not consider the pope conservative theologically. I find the Vatican's admiration for the UN to be distressing to say the least. However, so much that comes from the Vatican is filtered through socialist aides. I'm confident that if the pope were an American, he'd be pulling the lever for Bush.
Also, I don't believe Ronaldus Magnus could have brought down the evil Soviet empire without the help of JPII.