Pope and saint

Pope and Saint, John Paul II’s feast day was celebrated on Friday 22 October. Dr Anne Thurston, theologian, reviews his life and legacy in this archive interview from Religious Network News recorded back in 2005.

Dr Thurston is in conversation with David Birchall. She begins by summing up what she remembers most about John Paul II. She talks about his early years, his role in furthering ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue – especially regarding his relationship with Jewish leaders.

She also discusses John Paul’s approach to laypeople and the hierarchy. She bemoans the objectification of young people and gay Christians, whom she says are not ‘things’ to be ministered to but subjects and equal members of the Church in their own right.