Perspective

Pope John Paul II has personified the values of compassion and integrity. He played a huge political role in hastening the fall of communism and gaining the ability to embarass world leaders on issues such as Iraq. He left a theological legacy in the idea of the "culture of life" that will long survive him. He changed the definition of the papacy so that now people expect a global pastor rather than just a head of the hierarchy. So I ask in all seriousness, is John Paul II the greatest pope of the last five centuries?

UPDATE: See also Josh Marshall.

UPDATE: Kid Oakland's thoughts are also worth reading.