Blessed John Paul II, pray for us! Like millions of Catholics all over the world I am absolutely overjoyed by the beatification of the Blessed John Paul II. I remember thinking at the time of his death that here was a man who gave himself 100 per cent to his mission – a true example to all priests and bishops, and to all the baptised. Now that shining example of personal holiness has been raised to the altars as a Beatus. However, not everyone shares my joy. The usual suspects have rounded themselves up to try and pour cold water on this celebration. One cloud on the horizon was certainly provided by the presence of Comrade (as he prefers to be called) Robert Mugabe, and this was enough to give some commentators the excuse they were looking for. The Independent’s report contains this misleading statement: