Letter writer Marietta Alexander deplores the late pope’s management of the Roman Catholic Church for the past 25 years (“Pope John Paul II: He left Church in state of disarray,” April 16). She claims the Church is “…in the throws of turmoil and scandal,” and that John Paul “… bears the blame for not minding the store.” But she misses an important point and a unique lesson of his reign.
Depending on one’s point of view, the Church might have seemed poorly minded during any of its 2,000 years. Church scandal did not begin 25 years ago. Henry VIII of England and Martin Luther felt strongly about such things. The Church is no rose without thorns, yet it has a way of staying around.
One of John Paul’s tasks was to preserve the founding doctrines and good works of all his predecessors, on behalf of all those yet to come. Who can say he failed?
Ms. Alexander (no relation of mine) also writes that the Pope “… didn’t do a very good job.” But I think he did. I am not Catholic, only a Protestant Christian, and not a very good one by any standard of church attendance. Yet John Paul II definitely earned my admiration – not always by what he did but always in the way he did it. This pope’s demeanor and pervasive commitment to the common man will read well in the eyes of history.
John Paul II demonstrated that it is possible to be a good Catholic, a good Christian and a good man – all in one. Or simply one in all. Thoughtful people will miss the pope no matter their religion.
ALEX G. ALEXANDER
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
