As an impressionable young person in Catholic Elementary School and High School, Pius XII is etched in my memory, even if only because his picture was prominently displayed on the wall in each and every class room.
Pope John Paul II (below) in many ways was personally most impactful, serving during important middle years of my marriage, family growth, business development and political career.
Patti and I had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II in Chicago. We were there for a meeting at the time and stood shoulder to shoulder with tens of thousands along Michigan Avenue cheering his arrival while gratefully receiving his Papal blessing.
Some years later, while Bill Clinton was President and I was Mayor, I received a call from the White House inviting me to be in Denver when President Clinton greeted Shepherd One, the papal plane and Pope John Paul II.
I covered this in an earlier blog post The mayor meets the pope. My son, Jeff, found the photo while he was working in the White House.
This was and still is a surreal moment in my life. Simply writing about it, is a humbling experience.
People from all over the world join in sadness and gratefulness commemorating the life, service and goodness of Pope Francis. Clearly, he was “The people’s Pope.” Now the Conclave gathers to prayerfully seek guidance from The Holy Spirit in choosing our 277th Holy Father … Pope ???
MAY 8, 2025 … we have a new Pope! …….. POPE LEO XIV ……..
Jim Dailey 