Pilgrims and happy Roman Catholics were pouring into Rome last week for the canonization of two popes. And many among them were Poles celebrating the sainthood of their beloved Pope John Paul II (born Karol Wojtyla in communist-era Poland). Here in Italy, at Padova’s Basilica of Saint Anthony, a new painting of JPII has already joined the ranks of centuries of inspirational Christians who became saints. Being here as they put up a painting that travelers will stand before for generations to come is a reminder that we are part of history.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
Comments
Why are you celebrating the honoring of the pope who presided over the institutional rape of children? Sad.
We occasionally forget that Rick Steves is and always has been what we call a marketeer. Any attention is better than no attention – it keeps the base loyal you see.
Jeff Jones’ generalization is offensive and totally out of place in a travel forum.
EuropeTopsAll, there was no generalization. I am pointing out, very specifically, there was a system is place that enabled and defended the rape of children on a worldwide scale. This system was overseen by John Paul II and enforced by his successor, Ratzinger. Rick Steves chose to write a puff piece in his travel forum, I merely responded in the same forum. Silence on this issue is not be acceptable, even if you find it “offensive.”