I was very, very careful not to offer any editorial comment. But, for the record, I should say I think it the coverage is warranted. JP II was the second to last lion of the 20th century (Margaret Thatcher, technically a lioness) is the only one left. This Pope’s life made him, second perhaps only to Reagan, a granite landmark of NR’s worldview in the last three deacdes. Why not offer a fitting farewell?

I should also add, that during the Reagan farewell days, I would joke around with Kathryn: “Oh, man, can you imagine what your days will be like when JPII passes?”

She’d reply, “I don’t want to think about it.” She meant it in more ways than one, of course.