John Paul II in America

Gr 8 Up—Through this documentary, the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, has given viewers a window into the iconic pope and his impact on the Western world. His election to the pontificate broke with tradition, given that he was of Polish and not Italian ethnicity. Additionally, using 20th-century transportation and communication, the new leader traveled from the Vatican to spread his message and effect social change in the Americas. In his 22 visits to the United States, Pope John Paul II filled sports stadiums and civic centers. Video clips of the outdoor rallies and masses capture his charisma and the emotional responses he generated from his audiences. Interviews with political and religious leaders substantiate his influence in toppling dictatorships in Brazil, Haiti, Paraguay, and Chile. After the 1993 World Youth Day rally in Denver, 130 young men enrolled for study to the priesthood, taking up the Pope's call to rediscover and proclaim the Gospel.