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Introduction Two thousand and eleven years have passed to the ascension of our Lord Jesus into Heaven and somewhat same to the foundation of the Roman Catholic Church on this earth, and every moment this nurturer institute of faith is growing in its roots and strengthening in it’s foundation. The Catholic Church formed by the Perfect Creator has been governed by various men having different talents at various times, in the form of Popes. The work of each is marvelous and leaves us spell-bound. Not even single’s work is to be left un-praised. Blessed Holy Father Giovanni Paolo II (John Paul II) is also in the list of these governors of Church. This man of great courage and enthusiastic faith held his seat as the 264th successor of Saint Peter. This leader of the Catholics by offering reconciliation to the non-Christian communities became history’s: “Most Public Spiritual Leader”. Holding his seat and maintaining his responsibility as the Chief Shepherd-Pope John Paul II cared the flock given to him for 27 years. He invented new traditions, modernized the Church and redefined “Papacy”. He during his pontificate proclaimed 67 blessed and 52 saints. He traveled over 750,000 miles during 103 pastoral visits and became “Most Traveling Pope”, so far. The entity of Christian faith is a beacon of light in this despondency and a member of pure beings in the Heaven above. In this booklet is a brief flashback of his (Blessed John Paul II) life. His life on Earth was full of merry and mirth, including hardships and numerous tribulations but, he survived through all of them and now stands before us as an exponent of Faith, Courage, and fulldetermination to the Gospel.
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TOTUS TUUS (All Yours)
Motto of Pope John Paul II
Polish state – the creation of Mieszko I had been a place of terror and gloom in the 20 th Century. After independence in 1918, Poland became an independent country but was unable to amend
3 Page of 18 unstable boundary conflicts and series of wars with it’s neighboring countries. In 1920, the “Warsaw Miracle” took place as the Polish army stopped in the advance of the Bolshevik army into Central Europe. It was a fete and funky time. In the month of May, as the mid-wife opened the window of a bedroom it was filled with suavity of Latin canticles rising up for the glory of Virgin Mary, from the Church opposite. At the time of Vespers, and during this beautiful scene, a baby was placed in the lap of Emilia Wojtyla on the eve of 18th May 1920. It was the second son of “Austrian Habsburg (also Karol Wojtyla)” and “Emilia Kaczorowska”. “Karol Jozef Wojtyla” was the name given to “Karol” -after his father and “Jozef”- because his mother wanted him to have the name of Christ’s father. Rynek square in Wadowice (Poland) was the place of this boy’s initial residence, in an apartment having a kitchen and three rooms, better than many of the residents living in more cramped conditions. On June 20, 1920, a time little more than a month after his birth he was baptized and enrolled in the Catholic Church. The ceremony took place in the “Church of Our Lady in Wadowice”, over the carved stone baptismal font. The ceremony was manetic to witness; a healthy boy garbed in white was like an angel in the baby’s guise. Both, the godparents were selected from among Emilia’s immediate family. Karol’s god mother was “Maria Anna Wiadrowska”, the only one of his mother’s three elder sisters still living and his godfather was his maternal uncle – “Josef Kuezmierczyk”. They both took the responsibility to ensure that the child benefits from a Christian upbringing even if he should be so unfortunate as to lose both his parents. During the early days of Karol Jozef Wojtyla the church canonized a number of religious and seculars and a grand celebration was held at every canonization. But, the unfortunate Polish Christians were not allowed under the war-like circumstances of the Nazi rule and the state of war to celebrate them. Karol Jozef at an age of 6, in the year 1926 commenced his primary education along with 67 other boys. Karol’s role model and primary teacher was – “Jozef Koman”, a doctorate in theology. Wadowice was Koman’s hometown and he had bequeathed his treasures for it, prior to his death-by building a hospital and a school there. Though Karol was a young boy but was remarkable among his class fellows, in both roles as a boy and as a student. He was always alert, active and attentive in class and was known by his friends for his humble and saintly habits. Teachers of Karol Wojtyla’s first scholastic year commented for him. “A healthy mind in a healthy body”. It was a common verdict. Young Karol was well in the subjects of Mathematics and Polish, which were not easy to be studied at such an age. Unfortunately, once he got zero in Catechism test. Karol consumed with shame and unbearing his emotions, shed into tears. One of
4 Page of 18 his friends while consolation said: “Do not worry, you’re crying as if you want to be a Pope.” That young fellow was unaware that his teasing words one day will shape into reality. Kidney disease which had been haunting Emilia Wojtyla since her childhood finally succumbed and she died of it on the afternoon of 13 April in 1929, while on her way to the hospital. Several times, she had been forced to retire to bed, but always refusal. She had been suffering from dizzy spells often without warning, which had made her dissimulation difficult. Her sole comfort was the Catholic faith, and the assurance that both her sons abide by its teaching. Due to his mother Karol learned to make the sign of the cross and to read passages from the Bible. In spite of this sadful event, Karol Jozef managed to be good in his studies as well in the elementary Catechism and the same year (1929) of his mother’s death Karol received his first communion. He grew an intense intimacy with the Holy Eucharist. He was often found praying earnestly before the Tabernacle or fingering the Rosary. Every morning he was part of the Holy Sacrifice before going to school and every evening before going to bed read passages from the Holy Scriptures, studying Jesus’ life full of vivid images. At such young age he had known to some extent that it was good to opt God’s will in life, rather than to mark in own. Karol had retained an understanding of the need for humility. Jozef’s father could not find it easy to cope with the loss of his wife. His hair had gone white and fervor had gone off. Only constant prayer was the way by which he could cope with the void left by his wife’s death. Though Karol’s father could not completely take his wife’s place, but still he undertook the responsibility and gave up his best as a mother. Karol was everyday awaked at 6 in the morning by his father, prepared for school, served breakfast and sent to the Holy Mass before going to school. After dismissal from Mass, he walked straight to his school and read the Latin motto inscribed in one of his school’s wall before entering in. It wrote (Translated in English): “ That which is pure pleases the gods, he who comes here may his dress be clean and his hands spotless, in order to draw water from the springs.” After school, relaxation for few hours and in the evening fun of his favorite games – “Football and Hockey” finished his day. He was a good player of both the games. The town boys were mostly Christians and Jews, so they teamed up according to their religion and played tough matches. While playing Hockey Karol was late for the celebration of his tenth birthday. His father was waiting for him at home and young “Karol Jozef Wojtyla” came after several hours full of dust and happiness, for his team had been victorious that day. A year after his mother’s death in 1930 he finished his primary school and started high school at “Marcin Wadowita High
5 Page of 18 School”. His first year acceptance of constraints was difficult and his father still followed the old primary school rigorous routine. Two years since his high school, at the age of 26, young and brilliant “Doctor Edmund Wojtyla” his elder brother, and one of the most respected practitioner at the Bielsko – Biala hospital died after four days of pain and suffering by scarlet fever. Karol along with his father was completely devastated by Edmund’s death. Just two years before Karol had spent his happiest day since childhood. The day when his elder brother “Edmund Wojtyla” received his degree at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow. His poor father was overwhelmed by this tragic turn of events. Karol was now the only one to his father.
In spite of games he was also interested in drama and acting. Karol’s brother “Edmund” had told him about – “ Kotlarczuk” (a Polish drama teacher), who held rehearsals at her home. Karol braved to visit her and requested her to allow him sit in and watch the rehearsals being done at present. Karol was gladly permitted because both of Wojtyla’s sons-Edmund and Karol were well known for their brilliant results in studies. Karol’s passion of acting now waited for an outbreak. He wanted to experience the stage himself, so he took part in the annual school drama of 1936 entitled “Virgin’s vows” of Alexander.
Karol enacted his part stupendously. The
audience applauded highly and as an appreciation the director was invited to perform it on the stage of Bathwere. Karol played another role in the drama-“ The Balladyna”. In this play happened a tragedy, which unsubsequently caused immense praise of the spectators. The female lead actress “Helina” (who was grade mate of Karol at high school and also co-debutant at the Vows of Virgin), her father did not allow her to enact her role and refused at the very moment before Balladyna’s presentation. The director was shocked at this but Karol gallantly played both the roles – His and Helina’s. He did well in both the characters, didn’t forget a line and made no expression mistakes. The audience became aware of this marvel and praised Karol Jozef like never before, leaving a deep impact on his life. Karol had proved himself a tremendous actor but his father did not allow him to take “Drama and Acting” as his vocation. In his second-lastsemester result at the high school, he got “Eminent (excellent) remarks from his high school teachers. Karol was armed with glowing reports. After four hundred years to Christopher Colombus, this child desired to travel the corners of the world and wished to explore the world.
6 Page of 18 Passionately, Karol wished that when he would grow up, he’d travel the globe, meet people and grow relations. At the completion of high school at “Wadowice’s Civil Servant’s Club”, Karol was presented the Certificate of Maturity by the authorities of “Marcin Wadowita High School” on May 14, 1938, with a remark Bardgo – Dorby (Very Good). Karol had been victor in gaining good comments by the teachers of Greek, Latin. Polish and German. After ceremony a celebration was held in which all the students including Karol Jozef danced and whirled to the rhythm of Mazurka, Polkas and Waltzas. GRADUATION In his 19th year he after doing preparatory military training, for one month in Western Ukraine he got lucky in getting admission at his frater Edmund’s alma mater “Jagiellonion University”, at Cracow, for further Polish philology studies. It was the oldest university in Central Europe, built in 1364. Nicolaus Copernicus also had been its student during 1491-95, before he gave on his discovery that “the Earth revolves around the Sun”. So Karol Jozef along with his father moved to Cracow in order to start his graduation and to escape from the German attacks-to occupy Poland. Germany occupied Poland the same year (1939) on September 17. Poland had ghasted in a month. The invaders had started destroying Poland as geographically and economically. Factories, offices, schools and industries that disobeyed Nazi rule were seized. So as our lad was not financially good was known among his university fellows for his old shoes (which were always on the point of falling apart) and due to his rustic trousers. His clothing entirely showed him as the son of a poor. In spite of this poor condition the aura of intelligence, goodness and infant tolerance separated him from others. This bright-minded boy was able to influence the staff and students of the Jagiellonion University, too. Three years before his completion of Polish philology studies, on 22 February 1941 Jozef’s beloved and dear father declined due to a heart problem. He became very upset and spent long hours in deep prayer. After funeral, he was buried beside Emilia Wojtyla’s grave. Karol Jozef after his parents and brother’s death had become an orphan and had to lead an exertive life- full of hardships all the time. He had to work to make a life for himself. Every morning he attended his classes and in the evening earned his livelihood by laboring at the Solvay Chemical Factory. As he was in studies he proved himself a hard worker in labor too. But his quest for life had left him worried. One of his co-workers at the factory on spotting his trouble advised him to become a Priest, for he had a fine voice and could sing well. During this tough time in Karol’s private life a grievous blow struck his public life. The Nazis were seeking thousands of men, aged between 15 and 20, to take up arms against the resistance
7 Page of 18 of the Soviets and, they had already caught seven thousand and extorted them for the task. Karol’s age become danger for him as his name was on the list, prepared by the Nazis. Karol anyhow, managed to watch out and eschew from the national securities. In entrench-intrench, God made a call to Karol Jozef, when Cardinal Mgr. Adam Sapieha (Archbishop of Cracow) invited him to join the clandestine seminary at his residence, against the defiance of Nazi order-“Forbid religious Education”. Karol accepted the invitation, as the Seminary was a refuge to him in this difficult time. He during hidden seminary life wrote poems, and a doctoral dissertation on the mysticism of St. John of the Cross-. He was greatly attracted towards monastic contemplation. “Karol is destined for great things.”, were the words of his Father Rector. Intra 1944, Jozef was 24 and received his first two minor orders of “Porter” and “Exorcist”. Karol day by day grew up in his spiritual life and unlike his age mates, loved to spend his leisure time in meditation, contemplation and in observing nature. He liked to walk towards the country – side and smell the essence of flowers and plants. His only partner during these expeditions was the “Holy Bible”. He read passages, meditated on them. At the last semester of Polish Philology at Jagiellonian University Karol was proud to make his professors delighted by his brilliants result. Most of his result report had number “1” alongside his name with remark: “Eminent (Excellent)”. This remark was given in Church History, Greek, Apologetics and Metaphysics. He graduated from Jagiellonion University on May 26, 1945. Luckily, he was again enrolled at the same university to study Theology. Being a seminarist and as he was no ordinary student he signed a contract with the University to work as assistant professor within the theology staff teaching “detailed systematic theology and the history of dogmas”. He was required fifteen hours (per week) to teach. It was obvious that Karol was now ready to transmit his knowledge. On December 12, 1945 he received his other two minor orders of “Lector” and “Acolyte”, as well as his cassock, along with lively praise of his Rector. Fulfilling the need of a priest in the diocese, Cardinal Mgr. Adam Sapieha (Archbishop of Cracow) ordained him a Priest on November 1, 1946. The dank gray day outside contrasted strongly with the joy and light which had filled Karol’s whole being. He was a priest with many qualities clearly enthusiastic about his work and his Christian faith. On the moral level he had a great certitude and deep knowledge. Father Karol Jozef Wojtyla said his first Eucharistic prayers on the Feast of all Souls, which the Church normally takes to be a day of happiness. On Nov 2 he dedicated his first mass to extruded brother “Edmund” and parents “Emilia Kaczorowska and Karol Wojtyla”, in the crypt of Saint Leonard at Wavell Cathedral. Father Karol Jozef was fained because now everyday he
8 Page of 18 could celebrate Holy Mass. The boy who daily was part of the congregation to receive his spiritual meal could now consecrate “Bread and Wine” and share it with the faithfuls. After short period of his priestly ordination Father Karol Jozef was sent to Rome’s Angelicum University (the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas), to earn a doctorate in ethics, where along with these studies he wishfully learnt Italian and Latin languages. After his return to Poland in 1948, the young priest became highly devoted to the youth of Saint Florien parish, - his first parish. He earned a Doctorate in Moral Theology in 1953 and at the age of 36 became a full professor at the Institute of Ethics in Lublin. He published more than 100 articles and several books on ethics and other subjects Father Karol Jozef’s interest in outdoor activities yet was it and his young companions called him – “the eternal teen ager”. Group of students regularly joined him for hiking, skiing, bicycling and camping, accompanied by prayer, outdoor masses and theological discussion. At the age of 38, in 1958 he was named an auxiliary Bishop of Cracow and became the youngest bishop in Poland’s Catholic Church history. He still continued to live a simple life, shunning the trappings that came with his position. He had the privilege to attend “Vatican Council II” – the historic meeting of Church. In October of 1962, 2400 bishops from throughout the world wearing their miters and ceremonial albs filled in Saint Peter’s basilica to concelebrate the mass with Pope Paul VI, who after the celebration of Liturgy commenced the first session of Vatican Council II. Representatives, who were fighting for survival in communist countries, were welcomed with great respect. Among them were the primate of Poland- “Cardinal Wyszynski” and a little known bishop – “Karol Jozef Wojtla”. After long period of three years, on December 8, 1965 the council drew close with the final session in the presence of 81 government delegations and the result was this that 16 texts (constitutions, decrees and declarations) had been adopted. Karol Jozef Wojtyla(Auxiliary Bishop of Cracow) the young bishop attended every section of VC II. During the Council in 1962, Karol Jozef Wojtyla (Aux. Bishop of Cracow) was appointed the Archbishop of Cracow due to his devotee performance. To celebrate the thousandth anniversary of Poland’s conversion nearly half a million flooded into Czestochowa on May 3, 1966. The Polish Christians invited Pope Paul VI to preside the ceremony, but he was not granted visa by the Polish state. Archbishop Karol Wojtyla stepped into his shoes and celebrated the mass during which he renewed the vow, “Dedication of Poland to the Virgin Mary”. On the afternoon of 28 th June 1967, Archbishop of Cracow was given the red birella in the Sistine Chapel while Pope Paul VI pronounced the sacred words: “For the glory of the all powerful God and for the glory of the Church, accept this sign of
9 Page of 18 dignity of cardinal through which you will become the defender of faith and pledge your blood”. According to those around him he was exceptionally pleasant to be with and to work for. Every morning, he said the mass before breakfast. Before his appointments prayed and meditated and after lunch, the afternoon was mostly taken up with administrative matters for the diocese. Mgr. Karol Wojtyla’s diocese was roughly 5000 square mils, with 327 parishes, nearly a thousand priests and over 600 nuns and monks. Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was all the time hard working. His episcopical palace was just beside the Franciscan Church where he often went to pray and near the tree lined avenues where as a student he usually went for walk. He was an archbishop who took his meals with his co-workers. Everyone had nothing but praise for him. Mgr. Wojtyla was elected to the Council for the general secretariat in 1971 and became the third ranking member of the permanent synod secretariat dedicated to “World Justice and the Priesthood.” He pointed out that it was not the Church that is in crisis, but man himself.” Cardinal Karol Jozef Wojtyla on his turn in the second synod held in Rome for Priesthood explained that: “It is by this giving of himself that the priest discovers his identity and his place within society. This call insisted that the priest has to follow Christ in perfect state and to strengthen the link between celibacy and priesthood”. Grown up Jozef Wojtyla fulfilled his dream of exploring the world, by traveling to a few corners of the world. Once he departed from Fuimicina (Rome’s airport), on Feb 6 1973 arriving on the 7th at Manila, with stops in Karachi and Bangkok. His stay in Philippines was a great revelation to him since it was an enclave of Catholicism in the midst of Muslim and Buddhist countries. Mgr. Karol Wojtyla gave 27 sermons on the title: “Christ – sing of Contradiction”, before the Roman Curia, in the Chapel of Saint Matilda, under obedience of Pope Paul VI. This Polish cardinal did his talks in Italian with preparation of only two weeks. Through this, he displayed his exceptional qualities as a theologian and his skills as on orator. In his talks Mgr. Wojtyla developed his view of the Church’s place in modern societies, within liberal and tolerant systems, which in fact undetermined the very teachings of Christ. In the year of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla’s age Pope Paul VI died from heart attack on August 6 1978, in the Papal summer residence. He suffered a lingering death having weakness since months along with poor health. He had held papacy for 15 years and 46 days and was the one who started Papal visits to foreign countries. In Rome’s heavy summer heat as the entire Vatican was preparing for the imminent conclave. Cardinal Karol Jozef Wojtyla heard someone’s voice saying during its bidding prayers: “Lord we pray that you elect Cardinal Karol Wojtyla as our Pope”. The cardinal did not react at this, but the phrase nonetheless proves that he was considered
10 Page of 18 eligible to be a Pope according to the Italians. After the conclave on 26 th of August, Cardinal Archbishop of Venice, “Albino Lucian” was elected Pope after four rounds of voting-the shortest conclave in the history of Roman Church. Cardinal Albino Lucian chose the name “John Paul I”, in memory of his predecessor. Son of a mason was the chief pastor and an apostle of spiritual unity. Newly elected Pope John Paul I could not wear down the sheer weight of the duty consigned to him and died of a heart attack, during noctu (night) on 29 th September 1978, just after six weeks of his elect. It was worry for the Roman Curia, for they expected a lot from Pope Paul I, had put so much hope in him and his very humanity appeared a sign of great promise. Later on, it was confessed by the Sacred College of Cardinals that: “Papacy is a heavy cross full of tensions and dangers, which can only be vanquished through justice and love.” Now it was the second time in two months that Cardinal Karol had to choose a Pope. A very tough and hard time had started in Cardinal Karol’s life, for he was member of the conclave and this time it was chance of his elect. Cardinal Karol Jozef Wojtyla joined the other 110 cardinals in the year’s second conclave. The Saint Peter’s Square echoed in these words: “We want to see cardinal Wojtyla as the next Pope”. With one question vibrating throughout the globe “Will the son of a tailor be the next Pope?” Mgr, Karol Wojtyla himself was also tensed, bearing stuck thoughts and a rush of intentions. Every being standing in Saint Peter’s square waited to applaud and cheer. Everybody including the Clergy waited impatiently to have the first glimpse of new Pope. At last, after eight rounds of voting, the conclave ended and Archbishop of Cracow-“Karol Jozef Wojtyla”-- the Polish Cardinal by obtaining 99 votes got elected and became the 264 th successor of Saint Peter, he now was to hold his seat, wear the fisherman’s ring and to undertake the responsibility given to Saint Peter. Karol Jozef Wojtyla undertook the name-“Pope John Paul II”. He was the youngest Pope for the last 128 years, first non-Italian Pope since 1523 and moreover, the first Slavic Pope, ever. He who a few hours before were totally unaware of this responsibility had now undertaken it. The teasing words of his class fellow had come true he really was the Pope. The applause of spectators, cheering of his appreciators, delight on the faces and gladness in the hearts of Cardinal Wojtla’s benefactors was immeasurable and to him (Pope John Paul-II) was the most pleasing gift ever received from God since infancy, a gift wrapped up in Pallium and decorated with Tiara. The first glimpse of newly elected Pope was on the evening of 16 October 1978. For the first time he appeared in his balcony to bless the crowd, and addressed them impromptly in
11 Page of 18 Italian saying: “From now on, I too am a Roman and if I while speaking your language (Italian) make any mistake, correct me”. This address of Pope John Paul II impressed the audience and his use of Italian inculcated the Italians. On the other side of Vatican City Poland’s morning of 17 th October 1978, left the Polish Christians stunned as they heard the news of Karol Jozef Wojtyla’s elect as a Pope. The Polish Catholics young and old, holding candles praised the Almighty God for He had swept them away with happiness and thanked their protector – “Blessed Virgin Mary”. A new apostolic age had begun in the form of new pontificate. Over 30,000 spectators filled the square in front of Saint Peter’s basilica for the enthronement of new Pope and installation of newly elected Pope on October 22, 1978. All the heads of states, kings, patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches, England’s Archbishop of Canterbury including the high religious rankers from other religions also attended the Holy Ceremony. 44 television stations relayed the Holy Mass. Cardinal Karol Jozef Wojtyla received the woolen Pallium from Cardinal Pericle Felice as he was “Pope John Paul II”- the new Pope. From behind the altar the new Pope’s words rang out vibrantly: “Brothers and Sisters, be not afraid, Open wide the doors for Christ”. He promised the Church to regain its evangelical fervor and its nerve and to defend the fundamental human rights of religious freedom throughout the world. After the ceremony ended, he refused to retreat into the Vatican basilica but walked towards the vast throng in the square, waving his papal crosier as if it were a great sword of the Spirit. Pope John Paul II was voice of conscience for the world and a modern day apostle for the Church. The Pope constantly encouraged Catholics (both laity and religious) all over the world in any town or in any nation to live their Christian faith in their routine life. This enthusiastic Pontiff marked his calendar with annual events of every variety, visiting parishes of Rome, hearing confessions baptizing babies and holding youth rallies, as he was much concerned for the youth’s Religious formation and Character development. The young due to his cultural conventions and moral grandeur attracted Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II always advised them to heaven their standard, learn from failures, seek forgiveness, reconciliation and to try again. He insisted them to walk the path of fullness of life. Those who paid heed to his advises were changed and are numbered in millions. One of his errands about to the youth: “The church entrusts to young people the task of proclaiming to the world the joy which springs from having met Christ. Go and preach the good tidings that redeem, do it with happiness in your hearts and become communicators of hope in a world which is often tempted to despair”.
12 Page of 18 The joy of the outnumbered people could not lessen in any case. As on 27 th October, 19
, days
after his installation when Pope John Paul II was journeying to the Papal summer palace the faithful filled the eighteen miles long road from Vatican to the Castle Gandolfo with their cheering and delight. Never before any Pope had attracted such a horde and in such a mood. At his arrival in the summer palace, hundreds of young children offered him yellow and white birds, the colors of the Holy See. Three years after his elect on May 13, 1981, when the Pope according to his routine was driving around the vast square of Saint Peter in his Pope Mobile, a Turk “ Mehmet Ali Agca” shot him. Pope John Paul II wavered and collapsed into the arms of a Priest, and his face twisted in pain. During irksome pain Pope John Paul II was uttering the words: “ Mary, my mother” continually, like a litany. He was immediately taken to Gemelli Hospital. At his arrival in the hospital, Holy Father’s pulse was almost non-existent while, breathing and blood pressure extremely weak. He had lost his conscious and suffered from internal bleeding. The 9mm bullet had passed within an inch of the central aorta before passing out the other side of the body. Before the operation the Pope’s secretary gave him extreme unction. The day of 18 th May was a new beginning in the life of Pope John Paul II’s life, for on this day he was brought out of intensive care and shifted to private room. The same day, he (Pope John Paul II) at the time of Angelus said: “ I pray for the brother who shot me, and pardon him sincerely”. After seven-hour deliberation, the Turkish special Assize court judged “Mehmet Ali Agca” by condemning him to prison for life. On December1983, the Pope visited him in a twenty minutes meeting. The Holy Father had already forgiven him on a previous occasion. This time he embraced him and offered him a medal of Fatima. Pope John Paul II’s love for Christian traditions had ascended to a high degree and was very strong. If there was anything that Pope loved more than following them, was to invent new ones as he gave “Mysteries of Light” for “The Most Holy Rosary”. The Pope in 1983 authorized “Sacrae Discipline Eges”, - an apostolic constitution, which promulgated a new code of canon low. The main aim of modernizing these principles and process was to grant a more important role to women and laity within the Church. In this continuity, Holy Father addressed solely in an apostolic letter to the women, entitled “ Mulieris Dignitatem” that: “Far from being misogynist, the Bible states, “Man and woman are called to exist side-byside or together, but also…. one for the other””. Another exploit of Pope John Paul II was the publication of “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, which became an international best-seller because of it’s clarity of doctrines.
13 Page of 18 The Holy Father had not forgotten his teenage words “to travel and explore the world”. It was fixed up in his head to make believe his dream. This dream never vanished from his eyes. Since he had been able to journey from one place to the next, he never missed a chance. These chances came in his life when he was a Priest, Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal and now the Supreme Pontiff. He was always ready to meet the faithful for they were his own people. The aides of the Pontificate warned him several times to lessen his travels but he instead of crossing out marked out new expeditions. Whenever he reached his trip-destination, he bowed and kissed the soil, as his signature of safe arrival in spite of his grandeur. In 1998, Pope John Paul II became the longest serving Pope of the 20th Century. John Paul II declared the Jubilee year to the whole world in Saint Peter’s by unbolting the bronze door of his basilica. A large number of pilgrimages made arduous journey to Rome from all round the globe to receive the Pope’s blessing and to gain a special indulgence. During the celebration be gave the people the opportunity to make a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome every 25 th Year or at least once in their lifetime and in the run up of each Jubilee year, the Pope would prepare the city for the influx of visitors and the finest composers would compose worthy music for the solemn ceremonies of the Holy Year. During his Pontificate he made trips to numerous nations and was always welcomed warmly with cheerful hearts. The same year (2000) in March he traveled to Palestine, Jordan and Israel. John Paul prayed fervently before, “The Wailing Wall” for the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere of the world and for the advancement of humanity, constantly repeating his (Jesus’) prayer: “Father, May they all be one” John Paul set off for Poland, Ireland, Turkey, United States of America, Mexico and Dominican Republic to wade a crucial debate about the Church’s social and political relations. In 1981, he visited Philippines, Guam and Japan with stopovers in Pakistan and America, greeting the crowd, who came to see him. Pope John Paul II made a visit to the United Nations in October of 1979. While addressing them he emphasized on the human international relations for they were deeply tied to proper understanding of freedom and respect for moral precepts, with the world leaders and in public speeches. This global traveler inaugurated papal visits to the White House, by a visiting US President Jimmy Carter’s residence in 1979 on October 6. His far-reaching activities were made possible with modern communication tools – telephone, television and print. With these he was able to reach his constituents in the church and the world, at even remote places. His expeditions and travels also included pilgrimage to the Shrines of our Lady of Fatima, Guadalupe and Egypt. This modern day Columbus logged more than 750,000 miles and spent
14 Page of 18 about 6 percent of his papacy outside Vatican and Italy. He in total visited 128 countries on 104 trips. He is the only Pope with so many trips, visits and expeditions. His expeditions were also because of his Missionary/Ecumenical spirit, which turned him to non-Christians. He is the first Pope to visit a synagogue. He was invited because of his Ecumenical desire by the Rabbi of a synagogue in Rome in 1986. He is also the first to visit a mosque (in Morocco). He was a peace carrier to different nations and invited all the nations to bind the ties of love and harmony. The interfaith prayer gathering in the Italian town of Assisi in 1986 brought 200 world religious leaders together to pray for peace. He was convinced that prayer could bring believers together. Pope John Paul II sought to draw representation of all religions into deeper mutual understanding respect and dialogues. At the same time, he insisted that the Catholics engaged in dialogue must be true to their core belief and to the spread of the Gospel. Pope John Paul II ’s humble Christian zeal always inspired him to visit the unvisited sick people. Due to rejection of the “Sick”, he instituted “ World Sick Day”, Per Annum -February 11. In 1992, Pope John Paul II had an operation to remove a tumor of colon, though it was not cancerous, but from it the Pope had to undergo regular and rigorous health check. Due to this operation and old age, his health started to grow weak, but this weakness could not overcome his evangelical zest. The Pope always founded more comfort by comforting the people instead of being comforted. Late in 1994, the Pope slipped while getting out of his shower and broke his right femur, when he fell to the floor. From this, he had to use a stick to help him walk. His history making had not yet reached any boundary and in 1994, for his sixth consistory created 30 new cardinals from 24 countries and now the total number of cardinals was 165, more than ever before in the entire history of the papacy. Pope John Paul II in public made no attempt to hide his infirmities for he believed that: “Those who follow Christ must embrace suffering.” As the Pope’s health deteriorated his athletic frame also turned rigid and his voice could not come out of the voice box. Parkinson’s disease had left the enthusiastic Pope aged, physically declined and had almost taken all his walking ability. He slurred when he desired to walk, his head dropped and saliva fell from his lips during various ceremonies. Pope John Paul II always faced this miserable condition with serenity without any regret for he knew that nothing would be left behind. On Sunday 27 February
, for the first time he could not patronize the Angelus and instead,
Archbishop Leonardo Sandier lead the congregation. Most of his last days were spent in the Gemelli hospital, surrounded by the medical staff, 24/7. The laity and clergy both holding candles prayed for the Pope’s health, outside Gemelli hospital. No one was able to acquire the precise date of Pope’s discharge and on March 13 the medical team discharged him from the
15 Page of 18 hospital in the evening. But, due to a tube in the throat, from tracheotomy, he could not speak. In 2005 Pope John Paul II, unluckily could not preside the Palm Sunday Mass and begin the ceremonies of Holy Week. He had a glance from his apartment window after the service finished and waved an olive branch. His Holiness Pope John Paul II even did not celebrate the Chrism mass on Maundy Thursday of the same year, but watched the entire service through a video camera on his television set, at his apartment. His poor health did not permit him to address the congregation of the solemn mass lieu; Cardinal Angelo Sodano read his Easter message. After mass, he made an appearance to the faithful gathered for continual 12 minutes, without murmuring a single word. During apparition many of the faithful turned grimace, seeing his deteriorated health and flimsy condition but they were happy to see him. Few days later on
official spokesman of Pope John Paul II in a Press conference, at
the Vatican informed that the Holy Father has suffered a Septic shock and at present are in a grave condition. As a reaction tremendous horde of faithful filled Saint Peter’s square and the crowd swelled to tens of thousands. News of the Pope’s worse condition drew anguished prayer from Catholics all around the world. The atmosphere of Vatican was of prayer and recollection. Prayer of all those in his room and of the millions around the globe and thousands present in Saint Peter’s Square marked the final hours of Pope John Paul II. At last, the Chief Shepherd, Modern age Apostle, the lovely and enthusiastic spirit of the Lord, returned for it’s reward on April 2, 2005 at 09:39 pm, in his Vatican apartment. He was 84, at his death. The Pope died of septic shock and irreversible cardio-circulatory collapse and also by the effect of Parkinson’s disease including breathing problems. Death was ascertained by means of on electrocardiogram, His final day was the “Divine Mercy Sunday”, which he described as flowing from Christ’s most profound mercy. His death was announced to more that 60,000 people gathered in Saint Peter’s square and they all knelt down, with tears and prayers for the deceased. Few minutes later the bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica tolled the death of Bishop of Rome and a Swiss guard sealed the bronze door under the portico in Saint Peter’s Square, as it is kept close until a new Pope is elected. A seal was also placed over the door of the Papal apartment to observe the protocol of the death of Pope. The same mounting trepidation succeeded by grief, which Rome had not known for the last 26 years. In contrast with the countless times that people have come to the Piazza shouting, singing and chanting, the surprise was the silence. Not the silence of despair but a silence of respect, prayer and peace. Countless volunteers patrolled the streets, offering shelter to the pilgrimages and brining food and water to those waiting in queue for their last adieu to Holy Father. One of the final gifts that the Holy Father left to his mourners was his serenity in
16 Page of 18 the face of death. His last words were a message to the sister who cared from him: “ Sono Lieto, siate lieti anche Voi”. (I’m happy, you be happy to). All round the globe every human from every nation and tribe, from every religion, society and from every community at the death of Pope John Paul II honored and remarked that he was a man who taught us to live and how to die. “The world has lost a religious leader who was revered across people of all facts and none. He was an inspiration, a man of extra ordinary faith, dignity and courage.”, said Tony Blair in his remarks. The Pallbearers carried the simple cypress casket of Pope John Paul II, from Saint Peter’s Basilica to the square for his funeral on April 8. Even in death, the Pope was able to draw the attention and affection of millions. The funeral of Pope John Paul II gave a huge and diverse gathering of faithful. Applaud erupted as the Pope’s plain cypress coffin adorned with a cross and an “M”(for the Blessed Virgin Mary), was placed on a carpet in front of the altar. The Book of Gospels was placed on the coffin. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger presided at the Requiem, as he was the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals. He said while tracing his life: “The Holy Father John Paul II was priest to the last, for he offered his life to God for his flock and for the entire human family, in a daily self oblation for the service of the Church and became one with Christ, the good Shepherd who loves his sheep.” Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger honored him (Pope John Paul II) by dedicating him with epithet-“GREAT.” It is the same title given to “Pope Leo I” for withdrawing Attila- the Huns from Rome, and to “Pope Gregory I” for Gregorian chant. The title “GREAT” has been used by hundreds in their speeches, illustrations and by several in their panegyrics. The clergy, laity and Non-Christians have substituted this title to Pope John Paul II because of his extreme love to the world, kindness to all beings and due to his ethical qualities. The farewell of John Paul II contained a record number of crowd clergy and others. 500,000 packed Saint Peter’s square and the street leading up, while 600,000 watched the Holy Mass exclusively on the giant televisions screens set up near the Vatican and at the out skits of Rome. Millions followed the funeral; among them were 169 foreign delegations, 10 royal sovereigns, 59 heads of state, 17 heads of government, dozens of ministers and ambassadors. 23 orthodox patriarchs, 8 protestant delegations, as well as Jewish, Muslim and various other Non-Christian communities also attended. 157 Cardinals, 700 Bishops and 300 Priests concelebrated the mass.
17 Page of 18 More than 6000 journalists are accredited to cover the funeral. Vatican Radio broadcasted it live in seven languages. The Vatican’s website live video stream offered an alternative to television for 1.3 million people. After the funeral mass, bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica were tolled and as the casket was lifted to take it into the Basilica to be buried. During this thousand of faithful chanted Pope John Paul II’ s name with abundant appreciations and numerous responded with banners that wrote:
“Santo Subito, Santo Subito” (Sainthood Immediately).
Official titles of Holy Father Pope John Paul II were: “ Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Saint Peter, Head of the College of Bishops, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City and Servus Servorum Dei.” Pope John Paul II reined the Roman Catholic Church for 27 years. Since his funeral people have been asking the Church authorities for his canonization. No one is canonized, unless he is beatified after a procedure of investigation, inquest and a conclusive time of five years. Pope John Paul II ‘s successor Pope Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) by observing his ethical life announced his beatification investigation on 9 th May 2005. On March 8,2007 the Vicariate of Rome made an end to his case and the members of “The Vatican Congregation for the causes of Saints”, voted that he lived a virtuous and a heroic life. Pope benedict XVI on 19 December 2009 approved the indenture to dedicate him the title-“VENERABLE”. Pope John Paul II ’s beatification ceremony was held on May 1, 2011 and this grand ceremony was presided by Sui Santita Benedict XVI, in the presence of 3 million audiences, in Saint Peter’s Square. The congregation contained 87 international delegations and 22 world leaders. A huge portrait of Pope John Paul II was set up in the Square, while 30,000 all over Rome were plastered. The influx of faithful in Saint Peter’s Square waved banners when huge portrait was unveiled, as their ovation and felicitations of love. Our Beloved Father: “Pope John Paul II” now, BLESSED JOHN PAUL II was not only skilled in
18 Page of 18 uniting the Christians but, also the nons into the Christian gatherings. The proof is the co presence of Moslems, Jews, Buddhists, and Orthodox and of many others at his election, religious ceremonies, public programs, youth conventions, funeral, at his beatification ceremony and hope will be at his Canonization Mass.
BLESSED POPE JOHN PAUL II you really are –“GREAT”.
I conclude my words with a prayer of our Blessed John Paul II:
“I leave you now with this prayer: that the Lord Jesus will reveal Himself to each one of you, that He will give you the strength to go out and profess that you are Christian, that He will show you that He alone can fill your hearts. Accept His freedom and embrace His truth, and be messengers of the certainty that you have been truly liberated through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This will be the new experience, the powerful experience, that will generate, through you, a more just society and a better world.”
God bless you and may the joy of Jesus be always with you! [L’Osservatore Romano, 11-579, 2]