Will John Paul II become "John Paul the Great"

Madaglan · #1 Apr 3, '05, 7:44 pm

There has been a lot of talk, by priests and laymen alike, that John Paul II desserves the honorary title, "John Paul the Great."

While many Catholics (especially more traditional ones) may feel that John Paul II was too liberal in his theology, most Catholics agree that he championed essential Christian truths and presserved them from modern intrusion. This is especially the case in regard to Christian moral theology.

Do you think that the title "John Paul the Great" will become his official title years from now, or do you think that the title will not stick?

JKirkLVNV · #2 Apr 3, '05, 7:47 pm

I think so, though it isn't an "official" designation, like "saint." I certainly hope so.

kaygee · #3 Apr 3, '05, 7:58 pm

what does it take to be a doctor of the church?

Genesis315 · #4 Apr 3, '05, 9:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madaglan

There has been a lot of talk, by priests and laymen alike, that John Paul II desserves the honorary title, "John Paul the Great."

While many Catholics (especially more traditional ones) may feel that John Paul II was too liberal in his theology, most Catholics agree that he championed essential Christian truths and presserved them from modern intrusion. This is especially the case in regard to Christian moral theology.

Do you think that the title "John Paul the Great" will become his official title years from now, or do you think that the title will not stick?

I'm not sure who makes this decision as it is not an official one. Probably if enough historians call him that, it will stick.

mattkennel · #5 Apr 3, '05, 11:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaygee

what does it take to be a doctor of the church?

A person becomes a doctor of the church when the Roman pontiff declares him/her to be one. For example, I believe that JPII declared the Little Flower to be a doctor of the church.

Yes, I think that in future days we will refer to our beloved John Paul (may he and all the faithful departed rest in peace) as Pope St. John Paul the Great, Doctor of the Church!

Ghosty · #6 Apr 4, '05, 12:00 am

I don't know about Doctor, if only because it's a very rare title, and it requires a LOT of reflection on how the person's writings shaped the Church's theology. I'd say it's definately in the cards, though it's not what I'd call a sure thing.

Let's face it, though, "the Great" is already happening. From the secular world to the Church, he's already being refered to by this title. Let me repeat in bold: the secular world that also calls him "divisive" and "overly conservative" is refering to him as The Great. Even when not discussing religious issues, they are absolutely praising his work against the Soviet Union, arguably moreso than the Catholics. Non-Catholics and non-Christians are viewing him as a man who personally shook the foundations of what is arguably the greatest modern empire, and did it without bloodshed, and that's just one of his major accomplishments in history. I'm realizing more and more that he's not just a papa for all Catholics, but in some way he was for the whole world. We had a great papa, and the whole world knows it.

As for the title of Saint, I think we'll just be waiting for the miracles, and some have argued that they already occured during his lifetime. It's still fresh, but people are already praying for his intervention. How long can it really be for the two miracles to be apparent and confirmed? This guy more of a sure-thing than Mother Theresa, and she was practically Sainted on her death-bed

tuopaolo · #7 Apr 4, '05, 2:06 am

Does anyone know more about this?

The written text of Sodano's homily called the late pope "John Paul the Great," a title usually designated for popes worthy of sainthood, such as Gregory the Great and Leo the Great. Sodano did not use the title when he delivered the homily, and there was no explanation. Vatican texts, however, are considered official texts even if they are not pronounced.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor..._re_eu/pope_16

Steve Andersen · #8 Apr 4, '05, 4:26 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madaglan

......While many Catholics (especially more traditional ones) may feel that John Paul II was too liberal in his theology.......

there are people who feel that way?

**Ani Ibi** · #9 Apr 4, '05, 4:41 am

I have been thinking that I am being overly emotional because I really did not know the other Popes except JPI. However, on reflection, JPII has accomplished an astonishing amount of good against an astonishing amount of odds. He set the bar high for all of us. And, no, I don't think he can be categorized as too liberal or too conservative. Against whose fallen standards would he be measured thus? He was a good and faithful servant of God.

Ghosty · #10 Apr 4, '05, 4:51 am

Agreed. Orthodoxy is neither liberal nor conservative, it is God's will. That's what John Paul II lived every minute of the day, and he confronted us with that power. We all have different opinion on how certain things should and shouldn't be said, and that's what makes us beautiful individuals. John Paul II showed us how to be a total individual, totally orthodox, and totally unapologetic about it (even when making heartfelt apologies).

He's Great because there's no one else like him, and he showed us that there's no gap between individuality and orthodoxy.

Gabriel7 · #11 Apr 4, '05, 5:07 am

(QUOTE:Gabriel)
I believe Pope John Paul 11 was a very great saint and example of what a leader should be,He has done more to bring us all together through Christ grace than anyone I know.His unceasing efforts to bring understanding around the world is a high standard that most can only dream about.He is a modern day hero.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madaglan

There has been a lot of talk, by priests and laymen alike, that John Paul II desserves the honorary title, "John Paul the Great."

While many Catholics (especially more traditional ones) may feel that John Paul II was too liberal in his theology, most Catholics agree that he championed essential Christian truths and presserved them from modern intrusion. This is especially the case in regard to Christian moral theology.

Do you think that the title "John Paul the Great" will become his official title years from now, or do you think that the title will not stick?

**mercygate** · #12 Apr 4, '05, 5:11 am

Definitely, "the Great."

Definitely, "Doctor of the Church: the Doctor of Human Dignity." His Theology of the Body and other writings in this area represent some two-thirds of ALL papal writing on marriage. His socio-political vision, based on the dignity of the human person, has already had monumental impact and will continue to be felt.

**Mickey** · #13 Apr 4, '05, 6:15 am

SAINT JOHN PAUL (THE GREAT) PRAY FOR US!

pprimeau1976 · #14 Apr 4, '05, 7:18 am

I would love it if JPII became John Paul the Great, but I think that there were so many good popes during the 20th century....St. Pius X, Venerable Pius XII, Blessed John XXIII. I think they deserve this title as well.

If he never gets the title "the great" I have no doubt that he will be canonized and be made a doctor of the church, along with Mother Theresa.

**Contarini** · #15 Apr 4, '05, 7:19 am

Only two Popes have ever been called "the Great." I don't see what is gained by this kind of hoopla. JPII was a great Pope, for sure. I think his chances of canonization are excellent, and his chances of being named a Doctor of the Church are pretty good. Isn't that enough for you?

Edwin