As Der Spiegel’s Matthias Mattussek writes –
“Looking back, there will be disagreement whether Woytila was a pope of inclusion or exclusion. […] He was conservative, he was obstinate, he was a provacation. He said, kneel down, pray a rosary. But millions of people on all continents have been captured … by this pope’s fight, and who does not pray will at least show respect, even in enmity. Bidding farewell to him, the world suddenly appears to be more dangerous.”
I suppose, being as controversial as Karol Woytila was is a sign of success in an organisation as diverse and global as is the Roman Catholic Church. Mattussek is right – even if we do not agree with him on theological or political issues, or not even share his faith at all – it is impossible not to respect this pope’s achievements.
The BBC has collected some reactions to his death, here, and here.
I always try to do at least one impossible thing before breakfast. Today’s was particularly easy.
It’s amusing how Mattussek more or less treats the catholic church as a secular political organization. Made me think of Flannery O’Connor:
Mrs. Shortley looked at the priest and was reminded that these people did not have an advanced religion. There was no telling what all they believed since none of the foolishness had been reformed out of it.