End of an Era?

Other than his collection of wicked-awesome hats, there has been little for secularists to agree about in favor of Pope John Paul II and his extended reign over the Catholic Church. The "pope of the people" had a controversial history as a conservative activist willing to use the Vatican's influence to speak out against state governments whose policies conflicted with strict Catholic beliefs, especially on issues of gay marriage, euthanasia and abortion. During the months leading up to the US elections in 2004, increasing notice was given to Catholic priests and higher clergy who told or insinuated to parishioners that to vote for a pro-choice candidate would be disloyal to their spiritual faith. The Vatican under John Paul II was also the center of intense scrutiny in the west for its apparent complicity in covering up abuse and molestation scandals within the clergy for decades. At the same time, John Paul II has been credited with bringing the Church farther into "modernity" than any previous Pope before him.

While the hyperbole certainly has been going both ways in the media accounts of JPII's life and death (compare this piece by the ever-cantankerous Christopher Hitchens in Slate to the Chicago tribune interactive feature on his legacy, and see if you can find the same person in each), we believe there is more to be said about how John Paul II influenced governments and life around the world during his time as the Vicar of Christ on Earth--and how his potential successors might (or might not) follow in his footsteps at the beginning of a new era in history.

A few other things you might want to check out before the meeting:
Article from the NYT: New Pope Could Influence Political Life in America
The Vatican's official tribute to JPII
American Atheists go duckshit insane about the worldwide honors being done to a Pope they didn't much like (see AAF Discussion list for a copy of their AA News Bulletin on the subject).

As usual, contact any officer with questions. We hope to see you there!