Revolution: The Gospel of Pope Francis

By Peter MCDONOUGH

Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II are the odd couple of modern Roman Catholicism. The avuncular John XXIII, who wanted to loosen up a hidebound Church, and the combative John Paul II, who struggled to rein in what he viewed as the excesses of the Second Vatican Council that John XXIII had convened, appear to be ideological opposites. Yet Pope Francis will canonise the pair this month – a surprising move that may offer a glimpse into his goals for the Church.