The population of Rome doubled overnight as millions of people of all faiths gathered to pay their final respects to the Pope.  Even world renowned politicians struggled for relevancy, overshadowed as they now are by the record-setting news coverage of this great man’s passing.

What made this Pope so beloved and controversial?  What about him stirred such affection and respect in the hearts of so many?

In a word:  Principle.

Because we live in a time when fame itself seems regarded as a virtue, a time when what is “politically correct” seems more greatly valued than truth, a time when no tradition remains unchallenged by radicals with agendas...Pope John Paul II’s principled, uncompromising leadership stood out. In an era of rampant cynicism, this was a man unapologetic and unshakable in his adherence to his beliefs.  Together with his humanity, it was, in largest part, the strength of his unfaltering convictions that drew us to him.

It is very clear that this was a man who long understood his mission, and who embraced it with courage.  Unconcerned with society’s wants, he had the courage to speak to what he thought were its needs.

Pope John Paul II believed that there is good and evil in our world, and he was unambiguous about proposing to us the distinction.  The Pope judged communism to be one such evil because it not only suppressed basic human rights and freedoms, but also because atheism was an official communist policy.  Believing freedom is a basic human right endowed by our Creator, the Pope rightly resolved there could be no room for compromise with such an ideology.

This Pope made clear that he believed there were eternal verities, and was criticized for it by some. His critics included those who believe if the teachings of Scripture are inconvenient to modern lifestyles, then the teachings should change to suit the times. It is clear this Pope never lost sight of who he thought his Boss was.  And it wasn’t us.  He believed his first service was to the Truth, and by living his convictions, he served us all well.

Thankfully, this Pope needed no polls before presenting his views.  However, in an unsurprising confirmation of this column’s premise, a recent AOL poll revealed that a plurality of 29% of voters attributed their affection for this Pope to his strongly-held views.  His role in the collapse of communism ranked second in their esteem at 21%, with all other considerations registering much less significantly.

Although both courted and denounced by world leaders, Pope John Paul II was not a “political” man by ordinary definition.  Rather, his expressions of public policy were extensions of his faith…invariably stemming from his belief in the dignity and sacred essence of all people.  He supported democracy and human rights for this reason.  He opposed abortion for the same reason.  He opposed war and the death penalty for the same reason.  He also upbraided Liberation Theologians of Central America for embracing Marxism for the same reason. 

Aside from his fellow Poles, that appreciation and reverence may scarcely be felt more deeply than by Mexicans, who were the beneficiary of five visits by the Pope.  His humanity, his fervent commitment to life, his compassion for the world’s poor, his devotion to human rights…all resonated with, and made him beloved by, Mexicans and Hispanics everywhere.

It was for this consistency and commitment to principle that people around the world appreciated and revered People John Paul II. Such is the power of conviction.  Such is the power of principle.