Washington D.C., Oct 16, 2003 / 22:00 pm
The Lutheran religion editor of United Press International claims that John Paul II, who shared his faith and values around the world, is also "his" pope.
In his commentary "Everybody's pope", this great admirer of the 83-year-old pontiff says he doesn't have to be Roman Catholic to claim John Paul II as "his" pope. Uwe Siemen-Netto's commentary was published october 15, on the eve of Pope John Paul's silver jubilee celebrations.
"For the last quarter of a century, this non-Catholic has had a pope," writes the religion editor of the international news agency.
"Who else but John Paul II gave voice to my faith and my values in 117 countries? Who else posited personal holiness and theological clarity against post-modern self-deception and egotism? Who else preached the Gospel as tirelessly as this man?"