John Paul II was clearly a historically great figure, given his influence on events in Poland and, eventually, the entire Soviet Union.

However, he was also the spiritual leader who reaffirmed the Catholic Church's opposition to modern contraception, including condoms which prevent transmission of HIV. Rapid population growth is a terrible drag on the economic development of poor countries and the provision of social services by their governments. The Church seems not content just to admonish its faithful to avoid "artificial" contraception, but to do its best to obstruct programs, policies, and laws that would facilitate access to contraceptive services by non-Catholics as well.

The Catholic Church, most recently under Pope John Paul II, has done enormous harm in this area. Let's hope for change under the next papacy.

By tomas belsky (ip64-75-158-19.cvx01.dial.ilhawaii.net - 64.75.158.19) on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 7:10 am: Edit Post

I wonder how free from political pressure the Pope really was. His anti-communism, anti - totalitarianism while being admirable and proper for Europe may have set back many millions of lives in Latin America. the Pope undermined the Liberation theology that put much hope into the lives of the desperately poor and disenfranchised throughout the continent. In Nicaragua he blessed the contra while ignoring the Sandinistas.
both armies were made up of young catholics with crosses hanging from their necks. the Sandinistas defended health posts, farming co-ops
schools and other institutions the Pope called for in his attacks against injustice. the Contras he blessed were essentially out to destroy everything positive the Revolution promised and built. Did he throw out the baby with the bathwater?? Undoubtedly it'a a rough job to do well--pretty fucked up world!