Cartoon, documentary recount Pope John Paul II's life, teachings

Published: 2006-10-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Piccolo and Fiona, two doves who narrate a new cartoon about Pope John Paul II, are much better behaved than their real-life counterparts. In a 30-minute documentary accompanying the cartoon, Vatican television footage shows some real doves flying, but most of the winged symbols of peace refuse to soar away on cue, and one even perches on the head of Pope John Paul. The cartoon, "John Paul II: The Friend of All Humanity," and the accompanying documentary, "John Paul II by John Paul II," were presented to reporters at an Oct. 17 Vatican press conference. Spanish cartoonist J.L. Lopez-Guardia, who often draws under the name Cavin Cooper, developed both projects in consultation with the Vatican Television Center. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of Vatican TV, said he tried to suggest other names for the animated doves, but Lopez-Guardia drew the creatures and was certain he knew their names. The films have been completed in Spanish, English and Italian, Lopez-Guardia said, and he hopes the DVDs will be on sale before Christmas.

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