NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    ROME, OCT 5 (ZENIT).- "Time" magazine's survey of those considered the 100 most influential personalities of the 20th century will end in December, when the "Person of the Century" will be named. In order to help the editors in the selection, "Time" has asked an outstanding group of personalities to give their choice. Spanish tenor Placido Domingo proposed Pope John Paul II.

    "As the first non-Italian Pope (in many years), John Paul II is very different from the Popes who preceded him. The son of laborers, he is a poet and dramatist who fought the Nazis during the Second World War and Communism when he was Bishop of Krakow. He has shown tremendous energy and great facility to analyze the Catholic Church, both in the political and social dimensions," the Spanish tenor said.

    "He has had enormous influence since 1978, visiting half the world and being seen by millions. I believe his visit to Cuba will turn out to be especially significant. He has tried to give the Church simplicity and to open her to the people. With just a look or a few words he expresses truth, hope and love to the weak and poor. He has suffered much in the 21 years of his pontificate, and this has left him with emotional and physical scars that make his presence especially moving," Domingo commented.

    "Because he has lived and suffered through so much, he can understand and sympathize with the weakness and pain of others. I remember what was said at the time of his election: 'This will spell the end of Communism.' " Placido Domingo concluded. ZE99100507

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