Several rabbis recently met with Pope Benedict to urge the suspension of the cause for sainthood for Pope Pius XII. Pope Pius was Pope during the WWII years. Many people feel that he did not do enough to aid Jews during the Holocaust. For a related article from TIME, go to: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1848707,00.html.
My question is: Who did do enough for the Jews during the Holocaust? Pope Pius was caught in what could be the greatest diplomatic and moral dilemma in history. He could have actively and publicly denouced and fought against the Nazi policies. Had he have done that, the Nazi's would have likely sought retribution by torturing and killing many more Catholics, especially nuns and priests (including "underground" priests and seminarians like Karol Wojtila, the future Pope John Paul II). Evidence shows that many priests and nuns, including Pope Pius, went to great lengths to assist Jews that were fleeing from the Nazi atrocities. Even with hindsight, I don't know how anyone could argue that Pope Pius took the right course of action or that he took the wrong course of action.
Pope Benedict now faces another diplomatic dilemma. Does he go forward with the cause for sainthood for Pope Pius XII and alienate many Jewish leaders during a time when significant progress is being made in relationships beween Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders?
My hope is that Pope Pius XII's cause for sainthood continues on in "Vatican" time. That would leave plenty of time for discussions between Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders on the actions Pope Pius did and did not take to assist Jews during WWII.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
OWNS WONS
Make that snow. As in the wintery version of precipation that I saw earlier today. A week ago, it was 70 and sunny. It is now about 35 and windy (with precipitation). Later in the week, we may come close to 70 again. Welcome to the change of seasons in the midwest!
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Good Old Days
Recently, comedian Louis C.K. (I had never heard of him until I came across this video) made an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. This is one of the best commentaries on the state of our society and culture in the United States.
Yes, I figured out how to post a You Tube video on this blog. Along with the podcasts, Lunch Box Catechism is now multi-sensory!
Yes, I figured out how to post a You Tube video on this blog. Along with the podcasts, Lunch Box Catechism is now multi-sensory!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Landmark Case
In the 1970s, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case that proved to be the inspiration to activate many people in the pro-life movement. We all know the case - Gregg v. Georgia.
Huh? Perhaps you have never heard of this case in which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the consitutionality of Georgia's capital punishment law.
I bring this up for several reasons. Yesterday, while reading the conservative national Catholic weekly newspaper, I noticed a letter to the editor that expressed the idea that, in order to be pro-life, one has to oppose capital punishment. To my complete amazement, there was no editor's comment after the letter.
This morning, I was listening to a conservative radio talk show while the host argued that the election of candidate that is not pro-life will destroy our society. Given what I read yesterday, I didn't immediately know if the host was talking about Obama or McCain, since Obama is pro-choice and McCain is pro-capital punishment. Thus, neither falls into the pro-life category as defined by current culture.
Our chore is to look deeper into the positions of the candidates to determine whether or not they support policies that address people in need.
Huh? Perhaps you have never heard of this case in which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the consitutionality of Georgia's capital punishment law.
I bring this up for several reasons. Yesterday, while reading the conservative national Catholic weekly newspaper, I noticed a letter to the editor that expressed the idea that, in order to be pro-life, one has to oppose capital punishment. To my complete amazement, there was no editor's comment after the letter.
This morning, I was listening to a conservative radio talk show while the host argued that the election of candidate that is not pro-life will destroy our society. Given what I read yesterday, I didn't immediately know if the host was talking about Obama or McCain, since Obama is pro-choice and McCain is pro-capital punishment. Thus, neither falls into the pro-life category as defined by current culture.
Our chore is to look deeper into the positions of the candidates to determine whether or not they support policies that address people in need.
Monday, October 20, 2008
What's Up, Doc?
Last week, I received an e-mail from a young friend. He was lamenting the fact that, as a sophomore in college, he did not yet know exactly how his life would unfold - especially professionally.
After a light chuckle, I sent him a reply. I included the fact that, in span when I was about 20 to 25 years old, I had periods where I was in a novitiate, unemployed, a federal employee, a telemarketer and others that I have forgotten. I mentioned that none of these experiences were a waste of time. All of them helped, in some way, to lead me to where I am now - even if some of them helped me to know what I didn't want to do professionally.
I mention this story because we recently celebrated the Feast of St. Luke. In addition to being an evangelist, Luke was a physician. Having come from a physician family and having worked for a medical association, I have a significant amount of experience interacting with physicians. Early on, I sensed that many physicians view events and situations differently than non-physicians. Many years ago, I asked my personal physician to explain to me his thought process in diagnosing an illness I had based on the symptoms I presented and what he saw. The very first thing that he did was to come up with broad categories of what my illness was not. When he did that, there were few remaining illness possibilities. Then, based on hunches formed from his experience and training, he asked me questions and had me do some physical movements in an effort to determine if his hunches were correct. They were - I actually had a case of shingles! My physician diagnosed this in about 3 minutes and was able to do so only because his first step was to figure out what my illness was not.
So often we want easy answers when we might be far better off going through the process of arriving at the answers through the process of elimination. Going through that process forces us to think. I truly believe that there are no stupid people in the world - just mentally lazy people. We no longer take the time to figure things out - even though we could.
When looking for the easy answers, think of St. Luke.
After a light chuckle, I sent him a reply. I included the fact that, in span when I was about 20 to 25 years old, I had periods where I was in a novitiate, unemployed, a federal employee, a telemarketer and others that I have forgotten. I mentioned that none of these experiences were a waste of time. All of them helped, in some way, to lead me to where I am now - even if some of them helped me to know what I didn't want to do professionally.
I mention this story because we recently celebrated the Feast of St. Luke. In addition to being an evangelist, Luke was a physician. Having come from a physician family and having worked for a medical association, I have a significant amount of experience interacting with physicians. Early on, I sensed that many physicians view events and situations differently than non-physicians. Many years ago, I asked my personal physician to explain to me his thought process in diagnosing an illness I had based on the symptoms I presented and what he saw. The very first thing that he did was to come up with broad categories of what my illness was not. When he did that, there were few remaining illness possibilities. Then, based on hunches formed from his experience and training, he asked me questions and had me do some physical movements in an effort to determine if his hunches were correct. They were - I actually had a case of shingles! My physician diagnosed this in about 3 minutes and was able to do so only because his first step was to figure out what my illness was not.
So often we want easy answers when we might be far better off going through the process of arriving at the answers through the process of elimination. Going through that process forces us to think. I truly believe that there are no stupid people in the world - just mentally lazy people. We no longer take the time to figure things out - even though we could.
When looking for the easy answers, think of St. Luke.
Friday, October 17, 2008
It's Hear!
As promised, Lunch Box Catechism enters a new dimension. While readers will continue to have the opportunity to read my musings on this blog, you now have the opportunity to listen to my rants and raves in podcast form. To listen to the inaugural Lunch Box Catechism podcast, go to: http://lunchboxcatechism.mypodcast.com/2008/10/Inaugural_Podcast-151389.html.
Happy listening!
Happy listening!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
If There's a Will, There's a Way
Many years ago, my physician suggested that I think about joining a local men's choir that sings in German. He knew that I could speak German and had a modicum of musical talent. I followed his suggestion and ended up singing in the choir for many years.
During my active years with the choir, Willy was the president. For several years, I was social chairman. That position is responsible for coordinating many of the choirs events, including a Christmas concert, a spring concert and a summer picnic. With him being 100% German and me being 50% German, Willy and I had numerous arguments about how best to coordinate the events. We argued over the type of brats to serve. We argued over how much beer and wine to buy.
During my time of activity in the choir, many things were going on in my life. I had a job that required at least 60 hours of my time each week. I was a member of my church choir and also served as substitute organist. I met my future wife and became engaged. With so much going on, I had to begin to scale back on my discretionary time commitments. I decided to no longer be an active member of the German choir.
Some people thought that my decision was because my arguements with Willy wore me down. Willy and I argued - we never fought. I had the opportunity to spend a fair amount of time with Willy. We often met for lunch or for a beer (or both). Willy was much more than president of the German choir. He saw the choir as a means to get some guys with a common interest together. He took the singing seriously and demanded the same of the choir members. However, his skill as president went far beyond singing. He fostered ongoing friendship among all of the members of the choir and their families. I had many "Papas", "Mamas", "Schwestern" and "Bruedern". Willy was the benevolent patriarch.
Willy was amazingly brilliant. He could talk about anything - how air conditioning works, how to improve education, how to make lemonade, etc. He really knew what he was talking about. His brilliance came from his challenging background. He was born in Germany during the same time that Hitler was slowly coming to power. Willy was forced to join the Hitler Youth. Somehow, he survived a dishonorable discharge from this group. He was drafted into the army and served in a Panzer tank division. He later brought his family to the United States because he didn't want his children to have to face the same challenges he faced as a young person.
There are two "Willy" events that I will always remember. After a choir practice, we all went to the local German pub. Some of the older German guys would recall their service during World War II. Many were very proud of their service. At one of these post-practice meetings, one of the younger members was in awe of the war stories being told. He asked Willy, "When did you know that the war was over for Germany?" Without a pause, Willy replied, "When they drafted me."
I had not been active in the German choir for a couple of years when my wife and I were married. I had lost touch with everyone in the choir, including Willy. Our wedding was not a huge affair - we had about 150 people at the reception. We didn't invite too many people outside of family and close friends. I was very nervous prior to our wedding ceremony. I wasn't worried about marrying my wife. I was nervous because I made the decision that I would play a difficult piece of organ music just prior to marching down the aisle. Once I made it through playing, I hade a huge sense of relief. The ceremony went fine. When my wife and I turned around at the end of the service to march out, the first person I saw was Willy - dressed "to the nines" and smiling. We didn't invite Willy. However, he made the effort to find out when and where our wedding ceremony would take place and he made the effort to be there. I was very touched that he came.
At the end of all of our concerts, the German choir would sing a song called "Wiedersehen". Before we sang that song, Willy always made it a point to remind the audience that "Auf Wiedersen" does not translate as "good bye". Willy broke it down: "auf" means "until", "wieder" means "again" and "sehen" means "to see". Willy said that "Auf Wiedersehen" means "until we see each other again".
After a lengthy illness, Willy passed away on Monday, October 13. Auf Wiedersehen, mein Freund!
During my active years with the choir, Willy was the president. For several years, I was social chairman. That position is responsible for coordinating many of the choirs events, including a Christmas concert, a spring concert and a summer picnic. With him being 100% German and me being 50% German, Willy and I had numerous arguments about how best to coordinate the events. We argued over the type of brats to serve. We argued over how much beer and wine to buy.
During my time of activity in the choir, many things were going on in my life. I had a job that required at least 60 hours of my time each week. I was a member of my church choir and also served as substitute organist. I met my future wife and became engaged. With so much going on, I had to begin to scale back on my discretionary time commitments. I decided to no longer be an active member of the German choir.
Some people thought that my decision was because my arguements with Willy wore me down. Willy and I argued - we never fought. I had the opportunity to spend a fair amount of time with Willy. We often met for lunch or for a beer (or both). Willy was much more than president of the German choir. He saw the choir as a means to get some guys with a common interest together. He took the singing seriously and demanded the same of the choir members. However, his skill as president went far beyond singing. He fostered ongoing friendship among all of the members of the choir and their families. I had many "Papas", "Mamas", "Schwestern" and "Bruedern". Willy was the benevolent patriarch.
Willy was amazingly brilliant. He could talk about anything - how air conditioning works, how to improve education, how to make lemonade, etc. He really knew what he was talking about. His brilliance came from his challenging background. He was born in Germany during the same time that Hitler was slowly coming to power. Willy was forced to join the Hitler Youth. Somehow, he survived a dishonorable discharge from this group. He was drafted into the army and served in a Panzer tank division. He later brought his family to the United States because he didn't want his children to have to face the same challenges he faced as a young person.
There are two "Willy" events that I will always remember. After a choir practice, we all went to the local German pub. Some of the older German guys would recall their service during World War II. Many were very proud of their service. At one of these post-practice meetings, one of the younger members was in awe of the war stories being told. He asked Willy, "When did you know that the war was over for Germany?" Without a pause, Willy replied, "When they drafted me."
I had not been active in the German choir for a couple of years when my wife and I were married. I had lost touch with everyone in the choir, including Willy. Our wedding was not a huge affair - we had about 150 people at the reception. We didn't invite too many people outside of family and close friends. I was very nervous prior to our wedding ceremony. I wasn't worried about marrying my wife. I was nervous because I made the decision that I would play a difficult piece of organ music just prior to marching down the aisle. Once I made it through playing, I hade a huge sense of relief. The ceremony went fine. When my wife and I turned around at the end of the service to march out, the first person I saw was Willy - dressed "to the nines" and smiling. We didn't invite Willy. However, he made the effort to find out when and where our wedding ceremony would take place and he made the effort to be there. I was very touched that he came.
At the end of all of our concerts, the German choir would sing a song called "Wiedersehen". Before we sang that song, Willy always made it a point to remind the audience that "Auf Wiedersen" does not translate as "good bye". Willy broke it down: "auf" means "until", "wieder" means "again" and "sehen" means "to see". Willy said that "Auf Wiedersehen" means "until we see each other again".
After a lengthy illness, Willy passed away on Monday, October 13. Auf Wiedersehen, mein Freund!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Keeping Up with Technology
Joe Lunch Box is in the process of branching out. The readers of this blog will know the scope of this progress within a day or two. In addition to the regular posts on this blog, there will be regular links to other resources that are the result of Joe Lunch Box's incredible creativity. I sort of feel like Bob Dole when referring to myself in the third person.
Having made this announcement, the pressure is now on me to make sure this progress that involves some the use of some fairly new technology (I actually had to buy some new tech "doo dads") takes place within the next day or two. As with most of my forays into technology, I am working my way slowly through the muck (most of the muck being self-produced).
So, pray to St. Gabriel (this is a bit of a clue) in the hope that my efforts will result is some success!
Having made this announcement, the pressure is now on me to make sure this progress that involves some the use of some fairly new technology (I actually had to buy some new tech "doo dads") takes place within the next day or two. As with most of my forays into technology, I am working my way slowly through the muck (most of the muck being self-produced).
So, pray to St. Gabriel (this is a bit of a clue) in the hope that my efforts will result is some success!
Monday, October 13, 2008
The "Wig" Party
Those that know me understand that I am a person to neither establish nor follow a fashion trend. In spite of that, a recent report I heard on the radio caught my ear.
A fashion item that is growing tremendously in popularity is the Sarah Palin wig. This item is quite versatile - it can function as a Sarah Palin wig
For more on the Sarah Palin wig go to: http://www.forward.com/articles/14333/.
A fashion item that is growing tremendously in popularity is the Sarah Palin wig. This item is quite versatile - it can function as a Sarah Palin wig
For more on the Sarah Palin wig go to: http://www.forward.com/articles/14333/.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Pirates Make the Postseason
It is October and the Pittsburgh Pirates are nowhere to be seen. However, the Somali pirates are still playing. It seems somewhat strange to talk about pirates in 2008. A couple of weeks ago, Somali pirates seized a Ukrainian tanker with military cargo and are holding out for a $20 million ransom for the ship, crew and contents. Yesterday, Somali pirates captured a Greek tanker. We will see what they ask for the safe return of that vessel, contents and crew. Go to: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/10/11/7053586-ap.html.
I always have some basic questions whenever I hear about piracy. If nobody pays the ransom for a ship, what do the pirates do with it? It would be tough to bring it to a pawn shop. If you tried to sell it on eBay, the shipping charges would be prohibitive - unless the buyer lives near a major port.
All kidding aside, this is a scary situation. Insurance can cover the loss of ships and their contents. The crews on the ships are made up of people that are loved by other people. Family and friends cannot be replaced. Let's hope for resolutions that have no loss of life or injuries.
This situation is a result of the chaotic political situation in Somalia. We should also pray for stabilty for the people of Somalia.
I always have some basic questions whenever I hear about piracy. If nobody pays the ransom for a ship, what do the pirates do with it? It would be tough to bring it to a pawn shop. If you tried to sell it on eBay, the shipping charges would be prohibitive - unless the buyer lives near a major port.
All kidding aside, this is a scary situation. Insurance can cover the loss of ships and their contents. The crews on the ships are made up of people that are loved by other people. Family and friends cannot be replaced. Let's hope for resolutions that have no loss of life or injuries.
This situation is a result of the chaotic political situation in Somalia. We should also pray for stabilty for the people of Somalia.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
That Other Issue
In the past, I have commented that while I agree that abortion is a very critical and important moral issue, there are other critical and important moral issues. It seems that some people in the Vatican are beginning to recognize this, as well.
Archbishop Agostino Marchetto of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers recently gave a presentation in which he made the argument that capital punishment denies the recognition of God's willingness for forgive any sin and denies the opportunity for sinners to repent. I wish I could have come up with that argument years ago! It will be interesting to see how pro-capital punsihment Catholics respond to this argument. It is very clear and concise - executing a criminal takes away the opportunity for God to provide that person with forgiveness and repentence while that person is on earth.
To see an article from Catholic New Service about Archbishop Marchetto's comments, go to: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804956.htm.
Archbishop Agostino Marchetto of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers recently gave a presentation in which he made the argument that capital punishment denies the recognition of God's willingness for forgive any sin and denies the opportunity for sinners to repent. I wish I could have come up with that argument years ago! It will be interesting to see how pro-capital punsihment Catholics respond to this argument. It is very clear and concise - executing a criminal takes away the opportunity for God to provide that person with forgiveness and repentence while that person is on earth.
To see an article from Catholic New Service about Archbishop Marchetto's comments, go to: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804956.htm.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Vulnerability
In preparation to head home from my workplace a couple of days ago, I stood up to close the blinds in my office. Shortly after standing up, I felt a bit dizzy, nauseous and week in the legs. It was as if someone threw a thick blanket over me. I was unable to remain standing. Fortunately, I sort of fell right back into my chair. I have had spells of lightheadedness before, but this was far more intense.
When I fell back into my chair, I had enough wits to get ready to call 911. I do recall a few moment where I teetered between the notions that this was just some type of episode that will pass and the possibility that I might be having a stroke or similar event. Then there are those terrible few seconds that pass by without having a sense of how things were going to go. Fortunately, things cleared up after about 30 seconds. I no longer felt dizzy or weak. The nausea remained. I waited about 15 minutes to make sure everything was OK and then drove home (in the right lane in the event that there were more episodes).
Events like these are reminders that a higher entity is really in control. Sure, I might be able to impact many things and people in my life. Ultimately, I have no control over whether or not I will live another day or die right now. This can be discomforting to some. However, people that recognize and embrace the fact that they are not really in control seem to be the happiest and healthiest people.
When I fell back into my chair, I had enough wits to get ready to call 911. I do recall a few moment where I teetered between the notions that this was just some type of episode that will pass and the possibility that I might be having a stroke or similar event. Then there are those terrible few seconds that pass by without having a sense of how things were going to go. Fortunately, things cleared up after about 30 seconds. I no longer felt dizzy or weak. The nausea remained. I waited about 15 minutes to make sure everything was OK and then drove home (in the right lane in the event that there were more episodes).
Events like these are reminders that a higher entity is really in control. Sure, I might be able to impact many things and people in my life. Ultimately, I have no control over whether or not I will live another day or die right now. This can be discomforting to some. However, people that recognize and embrace the fact that they are not really in control seem to be the happiest and healthiest people.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
It Could Be Worse
Amid the floundering economy, many American citizens seem to be none too keen with either of the choices for President. The headlines are all about "doom and gloom".
It could be worse. Have you seen what has been unfolding in Thailand? Political antagonism has boiled over into terrible violence. Their economy is completely falling apart. For a related article from the Washington Post, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/09/AR2008100901242.html?hpid=moreheadlines.
So, when we begin to feel sorry for ourselves as a nation, we only need to look to Thailand to realize how lucky we are. We are lucky not because our woes are not as bad as Thailand's woes, but because we, as a nation, are in a position to help them. Hopefully, the leadership of our nation will offer assistance.
It could be worse. Have you seen what has been unfolding in Thailand? Political antagonism has boiled over into terrible violence. Their economy is completely falling apart. For a related article from the Washington Post, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/09/AR2008100901242.html?hpid=moreheadlines.
So, when we begin to feel sorry for ourselves as a nation, we only need to look to Thailand to realize how lucky we are. We are lucky not because our woes are not as bad as Thailand's woes, but because we, as a nation, are in a position to help them. Hopefully, the leadership of our nation will offer assistance.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sign of Change
I live in an area that has four seasons. It gets in the 90s during July and August. It also gets into the -30s in February! Nevertheless, many people in this region, including me, enjoy the change in seasons. Autumn is a beautiful time. While the temperature can remain in the 70s, the colorful leaves on trees often form a terrestial rainbow. As beautiful as this scenery is, it is a sign that winter is not too far off.
While driving to work this morning, I saw another sign that winter is on its way. This sign is nowhere near as beautiful as colorful leaves. While driving on a highway, I noticed a pickup truck in the lane to my right. While pickup trucks are plentiful where I live (a couple of years ago, more pickup trucks than cars were sold in my state), something about this pickup truck caught my eye. This pickup truck had a snowplow attached to its front frame! Ugh!
While driving to work this morning, I saw another sign that winter is on its way. This sign is nowhere near as beautiful as colorful leaves. While driving on a highway, I noticed a pickup truck in the lane to my right. While pickup trucks are plentiful where I live (a couple of years ago, more pickup trucks than cars were sold in my state), something about this pickup truck caught my eye. This pickup truck had a snowplow attached to its front frame! Ugh!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Indian Summer
People in the midplain states usually look forward to Indian summer - even though the term is far from being politically correct. Indian summer is a period of several warm days that come after the first full moon of the fall. This is usually sometime during the last two weeks of October.
It has not been a good summer for people in the Orissa region of India. Orissa is on the eastern side of India, about halfway between the northern and southern points of India. It is considered northern India. After a Hindu leader was killed on August 24th by a Maoist group, the violence flared. Hindus blamed Christians for the murder and killed several Christians (including Catholics) in retaliation. Christians have responded against Hindus in a similar manner. There have been 47 confirmed deaths. Priests have been killed and nuns have been raped. Tens of thousands have been displaced. Thousands of homes and churches have been destroyed. This is a very precarious situation that could create widespread instablility. To see a recent Catholic News Service report, go to: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804995.htm.
Let's hope and pray for the return of a peaceful and bright Indian summer.
It has not been a good summer for people in the Orissa region of India. Orissa is on the eastern side of India, about halfway between the northern and southern points of India. It is considered northern India. After a Hindu leader was killed on August 24th by a Maoist group, the violence flared. Hindus blamed Christians for the murder and killed several Christians (including Catholics) in retaliation. Christians have responded against Hindus in a similar manner. There have been 47 confirmed deaths. Priests have been killed and nuns have been raped. Tens of thousands have been displaced. Thousands of homes and churches have been destroyed. This is a very precarious situation that could create widespread instablility. To see a recent Catholic News Service report, go to: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804995.htm.
Let's hope and pray for the return of a peaceful and bright Indian summer.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Why a Grandfather Will Never Be Pope
Shortly more than 30 years ago, Pope John Paul died. Not the Polish Pontiff, but the original John Paul. I have written in previous posts my memories of Pope John Paul. I remember four popes in my life. I was born in the early days of Pope Paul VI and was old enough to have many memories of this pope. He was very bright and and excellent diplomat, but he had a sense of being detached. Pope John Paul II was the Ronald Reagan of popes. He was the great communicator, almost a showman. We are all still trying to figure out Pope Benedict XVI.
I had the chance to view some short videos that were developed to remember Pope John Paul. He was the Pope that didn't seem like a Pope. In one video, he was brought into the audience hall on a chair that was carried by four men. He seemed very uncomfortable. However, when he got to his chair on the stage, he seemed very comfortable. He usually spoke without notes. He seemed like he was not being "handled" or "choreographed". He had a somewhat soft and high-pitched voice. He looked and acted like a congenial grandpa. Maybe the stress of not being able to continue to be that congenial grandpa led to a short reign as pontiff.
I had the chance to view some short videos that were developed to remember Pope John Paul. He was the Pope that didn't seem like a Pope. In one video, he was brought into the audience hall on a chair that was carried by four men. He seemed very uncomfortable. However, when he got to his chair on the stage, he seemed very comfortable. He usually spoke without notes. He seemed like he was not being "handled" or "choreographed". He had a somewhat soft and high-pitched voice. He looked and acted like a congenial grandpa. Maybe the stress of not being able to continue to be that congenial grandpa led to a short reign as pontiff.
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