The Media Politiking of Pope John Paul II

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the media in the diplomacy of Pope John Paul II (1978-2005). It specifically looks at the importance of and utilization of the media by Pope John Paul II to change the course of history, politics and human life in his capacity as God’s representative on earth. Pope John Paul II, who is due to be canonized in April 2014 was without doubt the most influential statesman in the second half of the twentieth century. The Polish Pope changed the course and structure of international politics notably in his contribution towards the demise of Eastern European Communism, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall
and end of the Cold War.
            Karow Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) accurately made use of the media to spread his message of love and peace to the utmost bounds of the earth. Although continuity in diversity is the hallmark of papal diplomacy, John Paul’s rapport with the media was
idiosyncratic and not just a continuation of a tradition. His pre-papal experience as actor in the Rhapsodic Theatre, his outstanding personality (idiosyncratic variables) and development in information and communication technology during his pontificate also explain his choice of the world’s bully-est pulpit (the media) in his defense of human rights and dignity.