A Different Take: John Paul the Great

Our is, I realize, a blog dedicated to the "development of Catholic legal theory" and not (at least, not primarily) to our no-doubt diverse "takes" on the achievements and -- perhaps -- missteps of Pope John Paul II in the theological, ecclesiological (ecclesiastical?), and administrative / bureaucratic arenas.  Still, by way of companions to Colm Toibin's Times Magazine essay, and William Shea's "Imperial Papacy" piece, I cannot help calling attention to three short essays that, in my judgment, better capture both the Pope's accomplishments and the Church's situation and challenges:  Here is J. Bottum, "John Paul the Great"; here is Michael Novak, "Farewell to a Great"; here is George Weigel's "Mourning and Remembrance."

Rick