Sir, - Sean O'Conaill should withdraw his statement that the "Papacy cannot be expected to stand for the truth", quoting Pope Pius XII as an example (Opinion, November 23rd).
John Paul II spoke out about the lack of human rights and religious freedom in Eastern Europe. The Communist tyrants attempted to procure his death and he was shot and seriously wounded on May 13th, 1981, in St Peter's Square in Rome.
The present Pope is a witness to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and he carries on his body the wounds of Jesus Christ crucified as an example to his flock - an example that is more powerful than words. At least two other attempts were made to assassinate him. Remember that an attempt was made to assassinate Pope Paul VI in Manila when he was preaching the Gospel and he was saved by an Irish bishop. Modern Popes do not need to say, "Quo Vadis Domine?" They do not "dodge" crucifixion, as Mr O'Conaill suggests, but lay their lives on the line every time they appear in public because they preach the truth of Christ daily. - Yours, etc.,
Rt Rev Mgr Denis Faul PP, Carrickmore, Co Tyrone.