The Church of Rome has never been one of rapid change, and after 2000 years, I'm not sure it is even capable of it at all. In that light, John Paul II's time as Pope has been of great importance and on the whole, of betterment to the Catholics. In a broader sense, it will take such persons as John Paul II to continue the spirit of ecumenalism, which leads to peace.
All to often people get worried about the headliner details such as priestly abuse, which is, honestly, of minor importance when taken in a worldwide context.