Who Is He?

He is arguably noted as the most well-informed man in the world, yet he rarely read(s) newspapers.

He is an intellectual who is unbeholden to the shibboleths of the professoriat and who has a deep appreciation for untutored popular piety.

He is an accomplished philospher recognized as such by his peers throughout the world, but he never took a serious course in the subject.

He is a mystic who was a vigorous sportsmen for almost seventy years.

He is a celibate with a remarkable insight into human sexuality, especially as viewed from the perspective and experience of women.

He lived from age nineteen until age fifty eight under totalitarian regimes and has written cogently about the cultural factors that make democracy's possible.

He has had a considerable impact on world affairs and the life of the Church while evincing not the slightest interest in management theory or in the conventions of politics.

He has been a notably successful statesman without extensive preparation for the job.

He was blessed with great mentors as a young man, but he is primarily an autodidact who learns quickly from experience.

He has penetrating insight into those he meets, such that one wants to entrust him with one's decisions, but his signature phrase as a confessor and spiritual counselor has always been "You must decide."

He has demonstrated the ability to rouse the passions of some of the largest crowds in human history, but he has never played the demagogue.

He is a disciple known for the intensity of his love, like the apostle John, who has been called to exercise an office of authority and jurisdiction in the Church, like the apostle Peter.

Who is he? Click here to find out.

All information taken from page 13 in this great book.