.- According to a study by the Elcano Royal Institute of Spain published in the daily “La Razon,” Pope John Paul II is the world leader most respected by the Spanish. The Holy Father earned higher approval ratings than Javier Solana of the European Union, Kofi Annan of the UN, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. According to the study that evaluates 14 world personalities, Pope John Paul II once again obtained the highest approval ratings despite numerous attacks on his image in the Spanish media.
The study showed that world leaders least respected include Tony Blair, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.
