European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 08, 1978, Darmstadt, Hesse Pope Paul i a surpassing spiritual Quality by Kenneth a. Brig Snew York times religion editor the contribution of Pope Paul i to the Church was a product of his Superior intellect applied in the delicate application of so Many re forms of the second Vatican Council. It was Felt also in his unassuming presence in which Many world leaders found a poignant peaceful those who met him across ideological and religious boundaries. Paul i was first and Foremost a Man of sur passing spiritual Quality. He was a progressive exponent of human rights a position thai contrasted with his conservatism on Church doctrine. He appealed for commitment to conventional Catholic principles As ardently As he championed the cause of the poor the hungry and the terms of specific actions. Pope Paul May be Best remembered for his encyclical in 1967 that underscored the Church s opposition to artificial Means of birth control. It caused a storm of protest particularly in the unite states and is often cited As a major reason for a Large scale decline in attendance at mass by american roman catholics. For the Pope it was a matter of unshakable Faith in historical Catholic reasoning rather than a question Pope told these villagers near Rome aug. 2 that his death could not that should be rethought according to modern psychological demographic or new theological factors. He listened to the Case for loosening the Baa brought forcefully by those appointed to study the problem then made his decision. The same pattern accompanied his decision in 1977 to approve a statement by the congregation for the Doc Trine of the Faith which upheld the Church s policy of re fusing to ordain women to the Priesthood. Since a priest must Bear the image of a Man because Christ was a Man he said women priests were unthinkable. Though these decisions often left progressives in the Church disgruntled his pleas for the Downtrodden and his capacity for self sacrifice won him a spiritual following that included All elements of the Church. His compelling humility was epitomized when he offered himself in Exchange for the israeli prisoners held captive in Entebbe in Uganda. In a political world Rife with cynicism his gesture was one of utmost sincerity. During his reign he faithfully implemented Many of the changes which Vatican ii Only spelled out. He Over saw the rendering of the mass into the vernacular from latin undertook a revision of All seven sacramental rites and presided Over a revamping of Church government that introduced a variety of consultative councils from the Parish level to the newly formed Synod of Bishop which has met in recent years. He also brought into being guidelines for a Radical new relationship Between catholics and jews which he video a healthier atmosphere Between the two Conn of his policies assert that he did not n Many of the reforms with sufficient Energy Mem being conservative by nature the procedures Werel ducted without changing the Basic Power Al Guhl the various Levels of the Church. � ithe progressives conclude that much unfit Fahed Ness awaits in terms of updating the Church to modern world As a result of Pope Paul s Lack of East asm for further Reform. As a keenly sensitive Man who had Troea in modest origins to the Pinnacle of Eccles Laititi Hority he revered the Church and exhibited to to protect it against the temptations of a secular to he did not Trust the sexual liberality of the pm time nor its tendency toward doctrinal relay visa. Appeared to be in a fortress caught Between to Bocci ask that the Wall be lowered and those who urged hit raise the Walls even higher. Page 14 last known photo of Pope taken aug. 3 with italian president Certini. The stars and stripes As he stood in this untenable spot the losses u Church in terms of numbers and influence mounted caused him much grief. His messages during to years often took the form of a desperate cry to in the Church to try harder. He extolled those who appeared most Loyal by to tonal standards and lamented those who like tie i Sands of priests who got married or resigned Durhl tenure failed to conform. Once in a state of Eto upset he compared such priests to Judas. But because he was understood most of All Man of compassion even by opponents the tire of his criticism saw his rebuke As motivated sorrow rather than hatred. He showed the same characteristics in his outre the non Catholic world. He travelled More than any in history including memorable journeys to the w states where he addressed the United Natlo. Crowds in Yankee stadium and to India and to he took these opportunities to Advance peace. Tice rather than pressing any Catholic cd in truth. Likewise he repeatedly appealed for peace in and supported various drives for civil and human i this aspect of his sen ice was often taken for but he set precedence in the cause of human and Justice that Marks him As the most Pope. His successor would be expected to follow ample. He was a passionate though often reluctant is. He prayed for reunion with the Eastern Oft also indicated Strong desires to reach concert anglicans. But his longings were tempered by a i lion to retain catholicism in an Unicoi. State. He warned the anglicans for decision by some among them to Ord Alt to would pose an obstacle to Church Unity. In doing so however he maintained the Moj relations with them even As he did with those a Church whom he knew would not understand his a nor be receptive to catholicism. 1
