Like the Orthodox, the Muslims accepted his palm of friendship and love. More than words, it was the visible authenticity of John Paul II that made his message so irresistible to all who heard it. The pontiff's love is not the syrupy agape that has become all to common in American politics, but rather a love proven by sacrifice. When this giant of a man, bearing all his infirmities, strides into a place, his love radiates. It lives in his broken body, in his trembling hand, and in his hooded eyes.
Words are superfluous.
In June, the Pope will travel to Ukraine to face the Russian Orthodox I expect he will win them over as well. The world will be watching.