The heir of Saint Peter

Catholicism, as an institution and as a communion, has gone  a long way since the persecutions of pre-Constantine Rome. The Roman Catholic Church and its leaders, particularly the Pope, have enormous influence and its flock enjoys unprecedented freedom in practicing its faith, except of course in Muslim and communist countries.

Despite being among the world’s most dominant religions, or perhaps because of it, Christianity now faces a throng of troubles chipping away at centuries-old foundations. Perhaps the single most serious problem facing the Church is the health of the current heir of Saint Peter, Pope John Paul II.