Toward the millennium
John Paul II's influence will likely be felt long after he is gone: Pope John Paul II has appointed 109 out of 165 living cardinals. Of these, 120 will serve as electors for the next pope.
The Church of John Paul II resounds with the voices of conservative leaders because the Pope has been uncompromising on obedience to doctrine. He has taken a hard line on dissenters, including those who press for the ordination of women and the relaxation of rules regarding celibacy for priests, or suggest compromise on contraception and abortion.
In recent years a series of accidents and illnesses have cast doubts on the Pope's health.
The talk in the press about possible successors increases with each wobbly public step or cancelled obligation.
He is not as consistently energetic and spirited in public as he once was, but the Pope seems determined to lead the Church into the next millennium.
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