Defending John Paul II
There are a number of enemies of Pope John Paul II, such as some Protestant Fundamentalists, member of the Pius X Society, so-called "Traditional" Catholics, and other heretics and schismatics, that love to point the out so-called "scandals" of the pope. These people believe that Pope John Paul II is a heretic, an apostate, or even the antichrist. John Paul II is none of these. These so-called "scandals" actually demonstrate these people's ignorance and prejudice. I will address some of the most scandalous allegations made against John Paul II, and demonstrate that it is the accusers that are in the wrong.
John Paul II receives the Hindu Mark of Shiva by a Hindu priestess; a sign that identifies one as a worshipper of the Hindu goddess Shiva.
The woman in question was not a Hindu priestess but a Catholic, who gave the pope a traditional Indian greeting known as Aarti. The photograph of this incident is explained by Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, in a letter dated November 22, 1994:
Indian Catholics . . . use 'Aarti' when a child returns home after receiving First Holy Communion, and when a newly married couple are received by their respective families. Nowadays, 'Aarti' is often performed to greet the principal celebrant at an important liturgical event, as it was on the occasion shown in the photograph. On such occasions, 'Aarti' is usually offered by a Catholic married lady, and certainly not by a 'priestess of Shiva' as has been alleged. Use of the 'Aarti' ceremonial by Indian Catholics is no more the worship of a heathen deity than is the decoration of a Christmas tree by American Christians a return to the pagan rituals of Northern Europe
On May 14, 1999, John Paul II kissed the Muslim Koran; an act of submission and adoration to a book that denies the Trinity, and the Divinity of Christ.
Europeans kiss much more than Americans do, and these kisses are interpreted differently. A European kiss is a sign of respect for a person, but not necessarily a sign of love and adoration. It is much more cordial, and is the equivalent to an American hand-shake. I know a Polish couple that do not great me with a hand-shake, but with a kiss on the cheek. This is how the pope's kiss of the Koran should be interpreted: cordial respect; not submission and adoration. It is the same as when the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, kissed the pope's ring on October 6, 2003. Archbishop Williams was not submitting to the authority of the pope.
Occasionally the pope is associated with an upside down cross, which is a satanic symbol. One such occasion was the Papal Mass for Youth on March 24, 2000, in which John Paul II sat upon a chair with the satanic inverted cross.
While many satanic sects do use the inverted cross, the Catholic Church uses it as a symbol for Peter, the first pope. It is Church tradition that Peter was crucified in Rome. However, it is also tradition that he told his executioners that he was unworthy to die the same way as the Lord, so they crucified him upside down. For this reason, the inverted cross is a symbol for Peter, and for the papacy.
During his tour of the Holy Land in 2000, John Paul II prayed at the Wailing Wall and inserted a prayer card into it.
This allegation is correct, but not scandalous. Christianity, in essence, is the extension of Judaism. Therefore, most of the religious practices of the Jews are acceptable to Christians. The Apostles were all Jews, and continued to practice their Christ centered form of Judaism (cf. Acts 2:46; 3:1; 13:14; 14:1; 17:2, 10). I have also attended a Sabbath celebration in a synagogue, which I found gave me a greater appreciation for the Mass and its history. I also have a yarmulke, which I wear in private while praying the Divine Office.
On May 8, 1984, John Paul II presides at a Mass in Papua, New Guinea, in which a bare-breasted woman read from the lectionary.
Again, this allegation is correct, but not scandalous. The woman in question was dressed in the traditional costume native to New Guinea. In no way was this a gesture of sexual perversion. To find anything wrong with this incident would be the same as to classify National Geographic Magazine as pornography.
Conclusion
The enemies of Pope John Paul II will continue to try to discredit him. Unfortunately, sincere Christians may be led astray by these deviants. This is why I wrote this article; to present the truth so that others would not be scandalised by the accusations made by those with an agenda to harm the reputation of a good man. John Paul II is a very holy man; a very prayerful and devote man; a man that fulfils his office as Christ's vicar in an astute yet humble manner. I feel privileged to live during the pontificate of such a great pope.
Catholics have Nothing to do with Freemasonary, the Church is clear on this teaching, you will be excommunicated if you join anything to do with freemasonary. Excommunication (Lat. ex, out of, and communio or communicatio, communion -- exclusion from the communion).
Freemasonry is an important topic of discussion for Catholic theologians and clerics. The Roman Catholic hierarchy are, and historically have been, quite interested in Freemasonry. For over two hundred and fifty years the Vatican has been condemning Masonry and seeking to prevent the Lodge membership of Catholics.
God Bless
"Oh my Jesus I love you to the point of madness" St Foustina