Ive always had a love-hate attitude towards John Paul II. Nevertheless there was much I did admire about him and many areas I certainly agreed with him in theological matters.
I particularly liked how he brought Eastern Catholic issues to the forefront of the Church's agenda and openly encouraged Roman Catholics to enlighten themselves on the Eastern heritage of the faith. As an Eastern Catholic myself I appreciate that, since we've often been neglected by the Papacy and even at times subject to Latinization.
On many levels I had respect for the man: not only as a Catholic, but as a fellow Pole(Im only 25% Polish but still) and Slav. He will be missed, despite all the negative things he may have done to the church.
