Whether espousing church doctrine or schussing down a snowy slope, John Paul II has always enjoyed lofty perspectives. Last week the high-minded Pope was in his element during a 24-hour visit to the mountainous northern Italian region of Val d'Aosta. No one wanted to risk a papal stumble, of course. So he was helicoptered on a sightseeing tour of the area around Mont Blanc, Europe's tallest peak (elevation 15,771 ft.), and troops checked every possible loose rock at the places where he was to set down. The Pope nonetheless did his best to get a taste of past climbing days in...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
