Pope John Paul II is a force to be reckoned with. The Church is not buildings, the Church is not dog ma, the Church is not a set of ecclesiastical offices. The Church is the incarnation of the truth and love of Christ in those who follow Christ. This biblical passage is inscribed around the high interior circumference of St. Peter's. It is very difficult, coming away from St. Peter's in Rome, coming away from any encounter with the Pope, not to realize the extreme importance of the papacy to Christianity.
Theologians can explain the theological importance.
Historians can explain the historical and social importance. Our hearts will tell us the spiritual importance. Janet E. Smith is professor of philosophy at Univer sity of Dallas and a regular columnist for Catholic Dossier .