Pope John Paul II is celebrating a mass in front of tens of thousands of Roman Catholics in Saint Peter's Square marking the 25th anniversary of his election to the papacy. The service began at about the same hour as the first puffs of white smoke announcing his selection as pope rose over the roofs of the Vatican on October 16, 1978.

At the time, the selection of Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla as the first non-Italian pope in more than 450 years surprised the world. But over the last quarter-century, the pontiff has become one of modern history's most influential religious leaders.

The pope is credited with helping to bring down communism in Eastern Europe, starting in his homeland, Poland. He has also worked to repair strained ties between Christians and Jews, and he has crusaded for peace in the world, most recently in Iraq.

Despite declining health brought on by a 1981 attempt on his life and later Parkinson's disease, Vatican officials say he is mentally strong and has no intention of stepping down.

Pope John Paul has visited 129 countries and canonized 476 saints. On Sunday, he will beatify Mother Teresa of Calcutta - the last step before possible sainthood.

Earlier Thursday, the ailing 83-year-old pontiff signed a major document on directing bishops to act firmly in dealing with crimes that involve immoral conduct.

This was a reference to the sexual abuse scandal that has rocked parts of the Catholic Church. The document also reaffirmed the rule of celibacy for priests.

Messages of admiration and congratulations have poured in to the Vatican from all over the world, including from Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of Italy and Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland.

-- Andrew m Tillcock (drewmeister7@earthlink.net), October 16, 2003

Answers

-- (@@@.@), October 16, 2003.

Recently I've read a lot of press about the Pope. One of the critiques of his service to the Church and our Lord, that is repeated over and over again, is that John Paul II is too conservative, too much of a traditionalist. Consequently, Roman Catholicism is out of step with the times.

What strikes me is just the opposite. I believe John Paul's ministry is perfectly suited for the times. That is to say, given the turmoil of the world, oughtn't we take a firm stand and say, "Satan get behind us!" Oughtn't we adhere to the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church? Isn't it for our own good, our own protection, our own salvation?

-- Carl Rudorf (carlrudorf@yahoo.com), October 16, 2003.

Carl,I agree with you i am glad that Pope John Paul is Conservative change is not always good. And most change i have seen in other denominations has resulted in splits. Take for instance the turmoil in the Anglican/Episcopal church. The pope has already taken the time to warn Archbishop Rowan Williams about his liberal way's. Stating that not only is this immoral but is also not helping to keep relations good. I am Glad that our RCC has kept it's path.

-- Andrew m Tillcock (drewmeister7@earthlink.net), October 16, 2003.

I love our Holy Father. God bless John Paul II. In a time of turmoil in my life, I turned to his incredible body of writings for guidance and found the answers that will help lead me to my salvation. His teachings on love and the sacraments are so deep and so penetrating that they have changed the lives of millions for the better.

It is hard to see greatness when you stand near it. You can only see the part that is near you. But when our Holy Father does pass on to his reward, I am sure, in my heart, that he will be declared "Great" and verifiably canonized as a saint in short order.

God bless John Paul II. "Tota tuus Papa!"

-- Pat Delaney (pat@patdelaney.net), October 17, 2003.

This page has great recent photo of smiling pope and a brief summary of his life and deeds.

-- (Sto@Lat.Papa), October 20, 2003.