Defending the Faith and the Legacy of John Paul II

1. Legislation banning abortion and partial birth abortion like the bill signed by President Bush and enacted in Washington, D.C., but it will face many legal challenges.
2. Same-sex marriages. Court decisions and a federal constitutional amendment are all on the public agenda.
3. Confirmation of federal judges.

As Catholics throughout the world sadly anticipate the next papal conclave, the media is hard at work trying to describe the legacy and impact that Pope John Paul II has had on important political and religious events the past six decades.

The media has both an obligation and professional responsibility to the world community to present an accurate insight about this pope's extraordinary life, his character, personality and his contributions to the Church and modern history.

The most obvious matter on everyone's mind is the health of the pope. The common thinking from high-ranking Vatican officials for all ailing popes is that the pope is always in excellent health until the day he dies. The reason for this is that the world needs to believe that the pope is still in charge and his leadership of the Church continues.

But when a pope does die, it's a brand new scene at the Vatican. The pope's ring is smashed; his apartment door is sealed and all existing positions and congregations cease to exist. There is the funeral, a mourning period, a conclave, a coronation and a new pope.

And of course the main debate then begins: where does the Catholic Church go from here? It's one of the world's most extraordinary public, religious and media events and has not happened in 25 years.

Hundreds of millions of people will watch it on television and hundreds of thousands of people will head to St. Peter's Square in Rome including world leaders.

We all must be part of the effort to present and defend the record of Pope John Paul II accurately to the world press. Here are several constructive suggestions as to how we can all help do that:

1. Share with your family, friends and neighbors accurate news articles about Pope John Paul II's legacy. Go online at www.yourcatholicvoice.org for important and professional writings from Catholics and non-Catholics throughout the world, as well as other reliable sources including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

2. Once you are familiar with the pope's background, publicly advocate this information in Letters to the Editor, on radio and television talk shows, remembering that information is power. The words of the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II are rooted in truth. Do not be afraid to defend them openly.

One additional issue to raise: Why is it that this man, who advocates truth and love and has done more for peace and stability in the world, has never received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize? Something I publicly advocated ten years ago while attending a Pope John Paul II sponsored world interfaith Peace Conference in Assisi, Italy, the birthplace of Saint Francis.

In the past 25 years no other international figure has been more faithful and consistent to the principles of this prestigious award. As veteran Catholic News Service reporter John Thavis wrote, "It's hard to imagine a more forceful voice for peace, reconciliation and dialogue around the world over the past 25 years than Pope John Paul II."

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Raymond L. Flynn served as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from 1993 to 1997, and Mayor of Boston from 1984 to 1993.

Your Catholic Voice is a movement to promote faithful citizenship based on the fundamental truths of the Catholic Church relating to Life, Family, Freedom and Solidarity. For information go to Your Catholic Voice http://www.yourcatholicvoice.org

Contact

Your Catholic Voice
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Raymond L. Flynn - Author, 661 869-1000

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Keywords

Faith, John Paul II, Pope, Holy Father

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