Papal pals - Pope’s relationship revealed

IT may have come as something of a shock to more conservative Catholics to learn that Pope (now Saint) John Paul II had an intense friendship with an attractive married woman for more than 30 years.

The BBC has been shown hundreds of letters and photographs that tell of his close relationship with Polish-born American philosopher Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka.

Pope John Paul II was one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, a towering presence whose natural warmth and courageous advocacy for human rights endeared himself to millions worldwide regardless of their religious beliefs.

There is no evidence that he broke his vow of celibacy — indeed, everything in the letters suggests he kept it — but it seems clear that the pope considered their relationship a form of vocation and it is quite possible that, far from being a distraction, it proved to be a great aid to his ministry.

As priest, cardinal, and pope, John Paul II always tried to be a good man as well as a good religious leader. Perhaps Anna-Teresa’s emotional support helped him to be both.