The Papacy: Ordeal of a Pilgrim

THE PAPACY

Even his most ardent admirers grant that until now Pope Paul has been over shadowed by the memory of his predecessor. Shy, introspective and apparently indecisive at times, Paul seemed to lack the warmth and humanity that made John XXIII so universally loved.

But last week, on a precedent-breaking trip to the Holy Land, his impressive character emerged with clarity. Time and again the frail, 66-year-old Pontiff found himself engulfed by riotous mobs in an almost carnival mood that—in all innocence—threatened his life. It was a severe test. By meeting it...

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