Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the study is twofold: First, to analyze the communicator style/message of Pope John Paul II in special relation to two prominent Catholic educators, Reverend Charles E. Curran and Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen; and second, to assess the influence of his communicator style and message on Catholic higher education. Methodology. The case study was the method used for this study. The theoretical framework chosen for style analysis was Robert Norton's adaptation of Robert F. Bales' Interaction Process Analysis (IPA) system. This framework allowed for identification of the communicator style and message. Analysis of the literature pertaining to the cases served as the additional source for the message. Findings. On the basis of the communicator construct used in this study, the communicator style of Pope John Paul II was described as a "shows tension" one in the Curran case, and in the Hunthausen case the papal style was described as going from "friendly" to "shows tension." Pope John Paul II's communicator style and message in these cases signified a reactionary influence upon Catholic education in the United States. It raised questions regarding academic freedom, accountability, the process of dissent and American Catholic education philosophy in relation to Vatican expectations. Conclusions and recommendations. The communicator style and message of Pope John Paul II in the Curran and Hunthausen cases has been identified. The study recognizes that the identification is not an exhaustive portrayal of the Papal style and its message. However, it is a beginning, and it is recommended that other dimensions of communicator style and message be identified. Communicator style and message can bring about positive or negative change in the life of a person, organization or institution of which he is a part. Recommendations for further study are also indicated.