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In some ways, Pope John Paul II opened the Catholic Church to the outside world. He was the first pope to leave Italy since 1809, and the first to visit the Americas, Africa, Oceania and Asia as pope. So one of his legacies is that the Vatican would become less insular in its view of the world. He apologised for some of the past wrongs committed by the Catholic Church, once again making the Church a little less defensive in protecting its version of history.
His legacy must also include his failure to reform the Church. Pope John Paul II became pope when the two great evils of clerical paedophilia and systemic corruption within the Catholic Church were becoming known. He had the responsibility to lead the Church out of this mire, but ultimately he failed.
John Paul II has been criticised for not recognising the full severity of the sex abuse cases until they erupted in America in 2002. It is said that he hindered the investigation into the charges of sexual immorality levelled against Father Marcial Maciel Degollado and allowed bishops to transfer paedophile priests from one parish to another instead of reporting their crimes to the authorities. John Paul is also accused of hindering Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who allegedly was attempting to prevent sex abuse.
Systemic corruption and financial malpractice were being identified at the highest levels within the Vatican, but far from showing leadership in dealing with these matters, he turned a blind eye.
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∙ 10y ago
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∙ 11y agoHe was the first Polish Pope, the first Pope to come from a Communist country, and the first Pope whose life story was published by Marvel Comics. He had also been a well-known poet, before advancing in the priesthood.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoPope John Paul, was leader of the Catholic Church for over two and one-half decades. During his time in service he fought communism, was a forward influential leader, and was one of the most traveled Catholic leaders in history.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoHe was the first non-Italian pope in many years.
He was the first and only pope from Poland.
He traveled extensively during his papacy, visiting 124 countries.
He was the victim of an assassination attempt.
He was a key player that resulted in ending the Soviet Union.
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When did Pope John Paul VI become famous?
NEVER! There has never been a Pope John Paul VI but there has been a Pope Paul VI and a Pope John Paul II.
Who was the Pope preceding John Paul II?
John Paul II was preceded by Pope John Paul I who was preceded by Pope Paul XI.
How many Pope John Paul's were there?
There were 2 Pope John Pauls. The last Pope was Pope John Paul II.
What did Pope John Paul XXIII see as his role as the pope?
There was a Pope John Paul I and II and a Pope John XXIII but never a Pope John Paul XXIII
Was Pope John Paul Italian?
Pope John Paul I was Italian but Pope John Paul II was Polish.
Who was a famous man who lived in Vatican City?
Any Pope, like Pope John Paul II.
What number was Pope John Paul?
Pope John Paul I was the 263rd popePope John Paul II was the 264th pope
Did Pope John Paul XXIII have a child?
There was a Pope John XXIII, a Pope John Paul I and a Pope John Paul II but not a Pope John Paul XXIII. None of them had any children. There was also Pope John XXIII. None of them were married or had any children.
Was Pope John Paul the 31st pope?
John Paul II was the 264th pope.
Who did Jesus affect Pope John Paul XXIII's life?
There has never been a Pope John Paul XXIII. There has been Pope John Paul I and John Paul II and Pope John XXIII. Which of these were you referring to?
Who became the first non-Italian pope in 1978?
There were three: 1.Pope Paul VI 2.Pope John Paul I 3.Pope John Paul II
Who was the first pope to use email?
Pope John Paul II was the first pope to use email.
