Why Pope John Paul II is one of my heroes

 One of the primary reasons why Pope John Paul II is a hero in my book is his role in the non-violent defeat of Communism. It’s a small, small part of his historical significance–it doesn’t even touch upon his prophetic teachings on life, dignity, human sexuality, the Eucharist, the Church, and his embrace of media–but his compelling leadership, contagious boldness, and inspiring faith sparked the downfall of the twentieth century’s greatest tyranny.

As I celebrate his beatification on Sunday in Rome, I’ll be thanking God not just for John Paul the Pope, not just for John Paul the teacher, but for John Paul the prophetic revolutionary.

(This is a preview from the upcoming ten-part CATHOLICISM series hosted by Fr. Robert Barron.)