Reagan, pope shared some common goals, differed elsewhere

Published: 2004-06-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As two of the most prominent leaders involved in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, Pope John Paul II and President Reagan shared common goals for the world but diverged sharply when it came to the question of what to do with post-communist societies. With Reagan's death June 5 at the age of 93, much of the discussion of his presidency focused on his role in bringing about the end of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Reagan was inaugurated in January 1981. Pope John Paul had headed the Catholic Church for just over two years at that point. Both men came into office at a time when cracks were appearing in the Iron Curtain, and the two became key players in widening the cracks and eventually ending the era of communism in Eastern Europe. Reagan and the pope differed greatly on what should happen in former Soviet countries after communist rule ended, as well as over issues including economic policy and weapons proliferation. But both men were astute in working together toward the goal of defeating communism, said Marquette University history professor Father Steven Avella.

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