William Doino Jr. on Pope John XXIII, conservative hero :
Blessed John XXII is one of the most beloved popes in all of historyand quite possibly the most misunderstood.Almost from the moment he was elected pope, Angelo Roncallior Good Pope John, as he came to be knowncaptivated the world. There was something about Roncallis wayshis buoyant personality and self-deprecating humor; his willingness to affirm rather than condemnthat attracted so many to him. But his personal magnetism, admirable as it was, has led many to romanticize his pontificateas if he were some kind of papal Santa Clauswhich has the paradoxical effect of devaluing it. Roncalli the man has given way to Roncalli the legend.