An Editorial: National Catholic Register
(August 11-17, 2002)
The full measure of Pope John
Paul II's pastoral visit in Toronto can be seen in the media's
overwhelmingly positive coverage of World Youth Day 2002. Following are
excerpts from articles published in Toronto's secular dailies, which often
seemed surprised at their own reaction. The following are some excerpts:
"When I walked into one of the
major TV network offices, those present burst into applause: one senior
woman blurted out: `This is one of the most beautiful stories we have ever
covered. Thanks for helping us to arrange it." Column by Father
Tom Rosica, World Youth Day chief organizer, Toronto Sun, July 29.
"John Paul, we have a
confession to make. We underestimated you. Thanks. Thank you for reminding
us, regardless of our religion, about the importance of duty and
determination. About the power of faith and the power of God. Thank you for
bringing to Toronto those hundreds of thousands of wonderful and sincere
young people." Editorial, Toronto Sun, July 29.
"As the papal coverage built
to a deafening crescendo over the past week, until it was difficult to
distinguish some of our main media outlets from the Vatican press office, I
started to ponder a different question: “How can one keep any sort of
secular perspective in a world awash in faith?" Pro-abortion
columnist Linda McQuaig, no fan of the Catholic faith, in the Toronto Star
July 28.
"The issues of modern day
aren't so ‘modern' after all. Saint Paul's letters make clear that the early
Christians lived in a society every bit as materialistic, selfish, violent
and exploitive as our own... The Pope stands tall not because he changed,
but because he's had the courage to remain constant. That's precisely why
his message will remain relevant and have staying power."
Column by Guy Giomo, chief of staff to former Ontario Premier Mike Harris,
Toronto Star, July 28.
"The groups of young Catholics
brandishing flags of their countries, singing, cheerful, polite and
friendly, marching through Toronto, have had a stunning effect... They put
cynics to shame." Pro-abortion columnist Peter Worthington,
Toronto Sun, July 29.
"The most unbelievable
experience I've had in 31 years of policing... All these people and no
trouble; it was breathtaking, out of this world." Toronto Police Sgt. Jim
Muscat, after working all night, quoted in the National Post,
July 29.
"The irony is that what
critics see as the Pope's weakness is his greatest strength. John Paul has
proven what politicians say but don't mean: if you are true to yourself, and
if your heart is pure, people will respect you, even if they disagree with
you... And because John Paul, throughout his papacy, has been true to
himself, he towers above politicians when it comes to public respect... May
God bless him and keep him with us for many years to come."
Editorial, "A force for good, for God," Toronto Sun, July 28.
"As a non-Catholic I found the
event quite inspirational. And quite frankly, I got a little tired of all
the whining about clogged roads, about how World Youth Day didn't include
non-Catholics and on and on. Frankly, as an Anglican I envy the Catholic
Church the ability to organize such an event... The reason the Pope
maintains his moral authority is that he doesn't take political sides. He
takes on all sides, right or left, for what he sees is right, is moral."
Regular political columnist Christina Blizzard, Toronto Sun, July 28.
"All right. I give up. I've been overcome by a surge of papal envy... Only events on the magnitude of September 11 have commanded more space in the media recently... I have a lot of problems with the Catholic Church” all the usual ones like abortion, contraception, divorce ... but the hordes at World Youth Day knocked me out. It is a joy to see the crowds of youthful believers out there singing songs on the subway and behaving angelically." Regular columnist Connie Woodcock, Toronto Sun, July 28.
