51�Թ�

Pope John Paul II, who had ascended to the papacy in 1978, toured the world like a beatific rock star, preaching the gospel of this new sobriety in football stadiums across the country.

In 1991, Pope John Paul II issued “Centesimus Annus,” or “100th Anniversary,” writing about devastating poverty in developing countries along with worldwide economic, cultural and spiritual poverty caused by forces such as “consumerism.”

He took part in two conclaves - August and October 1978, which saw Popes John Paul I and John Paul II elected respectively.

Not since the death of John Paul II, six days after Easter in 2005, have we seen the traditions and rituals of a church mourning its reigning Pope.

At the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, the then Prince of Wales found himself unexpectedly shaking hands with President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.