John Paul II: One year later

Pope John Paul II died one year ago today.  Thank God for him.

Relatedly, John Allen's "Word from Rome" column this week talks about the first anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI and notes what has, and has not, happened.  He notes, in a nutshell, the striking lack of the predicted hardline doctrinal watchdoggery, and the equally striking failure of the press and public to pay attention to how the new Pope has been conducting his ministry.