John Paul II, Patron of the Theatre?

Catholic World News is reporting that "a leading figure in the Italian theatre" is championing the cause to name the late John Paul II as the Patron of the Theatre (full story here). This "leading figure" claims that the "theatre needs a protector because it has become too atheist."

I couldn't agree more! Has anyone seen the tripe that has been coming out of Hollywood and Broadway recently? American theatre is the guidepost for the art in the rest of the world, what kind of example are we setting for others? This is definitely not the city on a hill that I envision.

Now, I'm not one of those Catholics who's rushing to Canonize John Paul II, though I truly believe it will happen eventually, but his life, teachings, and genuine love for theatre seems to point towards him being a logical choice. Readers may not know that prior to World War II and entering the underground seminary, the Holy Father was considered an up and coming Polish actor, so the connections are definitely there.

I'm not even sure if someone can be named a Patron of something if they're not at some point in the Canonization process (St., Bl., Ven.), so perhaps this is a little early. But it's definitely something to think about...

hmmm....Pope John Paul II, Patron of the Theatre, it does have a nice ring to it.

Thanks Be to God and Boomer Sooner!
Feast of St. Justin Martyr