Another cause for celebration

The British like nothing more than the idea that the world is obsessed with our Royal wedding. It is not entirely a delusion: Americans and Europeans, especially in the media, do seem quite captivated by William and Kate. It is what 24-hour news people call a ‘global talking point’.

In reality, though, most foreigners couldn’t care less about the big day tomorrow. Some of them have their own things to celebrate. The Poles, for instance, are getting very excited about the beatification of John Paul II this weekend.

On Sunday, in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI will elevate Karol Wojtyla, the most famous Pole ever to have lived, to the altars of the Church. Across the world, millions will watch; millions will rejoice; millions will wave flags. It will be like the Royal wedding, in fact – save that the protagonists will be single men, one of whom is dead. And rather than admiring Princess Kate’s hand-waving technique, the congregation in Rome will worship a vial of John Paul’s holy blood.