well it is a fact that Pope John Paul II is a respected man by the whole world, across all religion and race..............
if you remember on the day of his funeral..............many world leader attend the ceremony, also those leader who are at conflict which other is shown to shake hands. also those representative from many different religion.
I think this is the most celebrated funeral for millenia (well that is what I think anyway.... :P )
also regarding the new Pope..........he is Pope John Paul right hand man and also the dean for school of
cardinal................he is also able to speak 5 or 6 different language...........