History has been made…

This past week has provided two major historical events, both of a religious nature, the death and burial of a Pope, the head of the Church of Rome and the marriage of an individual who might become the next head of the Church of England.

I believe that a record for the most hours of television watching during any one week was achieved. It has been said that Pope John Paul II was the most identifiable person in the history of the world as he has been seen by so many, in person and on television. He could be the person responsible for the most positive and negative happenings in the history of the world. He has been praised for his activities relating to the freedom of Europe from the grip of Communism. On the other hand, he has been criticized for his position on women becoming priests, on permission for the clergy to marry, on abortion, and on contraception. He was too conservative for many Catholics.

The marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, which had been postponed by one day because of the burial of Pope John Paul, has brought a measure of closure to the problem of their long-time relationship. Camilla has moved from a position of vilification to that of the second ranking female in the Royal Family. As time passes, the English people will come to accept Camilla as worthy to be named Queen of England and would be eligible for that title if ever Charles accedes to the throne.

A minor historical event of last week was that the death of Prince Rainier III of Monaco. His wedding to Grace Kelly, the American actress, in 1956 was a highlight of high society of the day. His son Albert has become Prince Albert II, the sovereign prince of Monaco.