April 1, 2005

A Theological Dissident Examines the Teachings of Pope John Paul II

By RICHARD BYRNE

ROME IF YOU WANT TO: The morbid hype that has marked the news coverage of Pope John Paul II's recent health woes is no surprise. Roman Catholicism has a billion or more adherents, sparking worldwide interest in its leader. The intricate rituals and backroom politicking involved in selecting a new Bishop of Rome exude a mysterious allure even for non-Catholics. (Is that white smoke or black smoke coming from the chimney?)

At 26 years, the papacy of John Paul II is the longest in modern

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