Pope John Paul II and Pope John Paul were canonized as saints . David Perry : This is significant for Catholics , but non - Catholics should care too . He says both saints offer a model of risk - taking based on a strong sense of moral purpose . When we choose what stories to tell about a person , we reveal a lot about ourselves , our hopes and fears , the ways in which we might try to do better personally , and the kinds of changes we 'd like to see in the world . Perry : Canonization is an attempt to turn the church away from problems of infighting .
Pope John Paul II and Pope John Paul were canonized as saints . David Perry : This is significant for Catholics , but non - Catholics should care too . He says both saints offer a model of risk - taking based on a strong sense of moral purpose . Perry : Canonization is an attempt to turn the church away from problems of infighting .