Speaker highlights Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan’s alliance to Defeat Evil of Soviet Communism
By Brigid Curtis Ayer
The parallels of their lives were uncanny. The comradery and mutual affection they shared was genuine. Their alliance, undeniably, toppled more than the Berlin Wall, and the Cold War era, but perhaps forever changed the international, political, and moral landscape for ages to come.
Paul Kengor, New York Times bestselling author, offered his timeless and little-known insights into the relationship of Pope John Paul II, and President Ronald Reagan, during a recent presentation in Carmel, IN. These stories are outlined in his 600-plus page book, “A Pope and a President.”
Two unique figures were elected only a few years apart of each other. Pope John Paul II, elected in 1978 as the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first Slavic pontiff ever. Ronald Reagan elected in 1980 winning 45 of 50 states, and 49 of 50 states in 1984.
The Soviets had waged war on religion for six decades prior to these men coming to power, said Kengor. The animosity toward religion was ferocious and included the mass executions of millions of Christians, Jews, priests, religious, and anyone who professed faith in God, he added. These evils did not escape notice by Reagan and the pope.
“Be Not Afraid,” were the first words and a frequent refrain that encapsulated John Paul II’s pontificate, and much of his writings. The pope’s message to “Be Not Afraid’ also called Christians, his fellow Poles, the Slavic people and all of mankind to stand up to the evils of the day—including Soviet communism.
Kengor said the Kremlin was very concerned that a Polish Pope had been elected. The war against religion had failed in Poland, and now the leader of the Catholic Church was Polish. The Soviets also feared President Reagan, who called the Soviet Union, the “evil empire”. Kengor said, “Moscow immediately feared the Reagan-Pope alliance.”
The pope decided his first foreign visit would be Poland. A pope had never gone to a communist bloc country before, said Kengor. And in his first homily, the pope said “Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ. Open them wide! Open the borders of states, economic and political systems, the vast domains of culture!” Kengor said this was a direct shot aimed at Moscow.
Pope John Paul II and President Reagan shared many things in common in addition to their belief that communism had to be defeated. They were athletic, outdoorsmen, and actors. Both had a connection to Fatima and survived assassination attempts within weeks of each other. Fatima was central to John Paul, II, and Reagan was deeply intrigued by Fatima. And both leaders believed their survival following their assassination attempts were miraculous and that God had a specific plan for them to accomplish. Kengor said Fatima is “absolutely crucial” to understanding all that was going on during this time period.
Kengor said after being shot, Reagan felt his survival was conditional upon him forgiving his shooter, which he did. Pope John Paul II’s response after being shot, was how could “they” do this? The pope had surmised the Soviets were behind his assassination attempt which was later confirmed by CIA. Reagan met with Mother Teresa a few weeks after his assassination attempt. Mother Teresa told Reagan “our sisters prayed for two days” for his recovery. Reagan wrote in his diary, “I owe my life to God and will try to serve Him in every way I can.” For Reagan that service meant defeating Soviet Communism said Kengor.
When the CIA confirmed the KGB, the Soviet secret police, had planned the pope’s assassination, Pope John Paul II asked the U.S. that this information be kept secret, to ‘let it go’. It was over, and public knowledge of this could interfere with a new relationship the Vatican was forging with Mikhail Gorbachev. At the pope’s request, the U.S. did not make the assassination attempt by the Soviets public.
In June 1982, President Reagan and Pope John Paul II met one-on-one. Both men believed God had spared their lives to defeat Soviet Communism.
Their communication was described by close confidants as “frequent” including dozens of interactions. Some feared perhaps they communicated too frequently. Kengor said a lot of the communication between top U.S. and Vatican officials were relayed over a cappuccino where no notes or records were taken because the officials felt the information was too important. It was called “cappuccino diplomacy,” said Kengor. While some communication between the Vatican and President Reagan exists, Kengor said, much of it has been redacted and remains classified 2057.
Moscow had good reason to fear the election of a Polish pope, said Kengor, because in the end, Poland served as the lynchpin to break up communism. Poland’s central proximity in the communist bloc countries served to split it up. “Just like splitting wood, you drive a wedge into the center to break it apart,” said Kengor. On June 4, 1989, Poland held elections. “The Communists didn’t win single seat.” said Kengor. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall falls.
Kengor said Reagan and Pope John Paul II held a strong belief in using their talents for the glory of God. And as Luke 12:48 scripture verse calls, “To whom much is given, much is required,” said Kengor. Pope John Paul II and Reagan believed it was a person’s duty to use their talents and they tried to live their life that way. “To do what is right even at great personal cost,” said Kengor. “It was a moral lesson that we can all take part in. And it is a call to us to use our talents and to ‘Be Not Afraid’.”
Paul Kengor is professor of political science and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania.