On Thursday evening, April 24 of this year, His Holiness, Pope Francis sent a video message to Poles. This message was transmitted via TVP and Polish Radio at a vigil held in anticipation of the approaching Canonization of His Holiness, John Paul II.
Dear fellow citizens of Blessed John Paul II,
The canonization of that great man, a great father who passed through history with the name John Paul II is quickly approaching. I am happy to have been called to proclaim his holiness, on the approaching Sunday of Divine Mercy, at the conclusion of the Easter Octave. I am grateful to John Paul II, as are all the members of the People of God, for his indefatigable service, his spiritual guidance, for having led the Church into the third millennium of faith and for his extraordinary witness of holiness.
Pope Benedict XVI rightly noted, three years ago, on the day of the beatification of his predecessor, that what John Paul II asked of everyone else, that is to not be afraid and to open wide the doors to Christ, he himself did first: What the newly-elected Pope asked of everyone, he was himself the first to do: society, culture, political and economic systems he opened up to Christ, turning back with the strength of a titan – a strength which came to him from God – a tide which appeared irreversible. By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel. In a word: he helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty (Homily, May 1, 2011). I fully agree with these words spoken by Pope Benedict XVI.
We all know that, before travelling the streets of the world, Karol Wojtyła grew up in the service of Christ and of the Church, in his native Poland. There, he formed his heart, a heart, a heart which was subsequently opened to a more universal dimension, first by participating in the Second Vatican Council and above all, after October 16, 1978, by finding a place in all the nations, languages and cultures. John Paul II made himself all to all.
I wish to thank the Polish People and the Church in Poland for the gift of John Paul II. We have all been enriched by this gift. John Paul II continues to inspire us. We are inspired by his words, his writing, his gestures, his style of service. We are inspired by his suffering which was lived with heroic hope. We are inspired by his total surrender to Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, and to the Mother of God.
During the recent visit ad liminia Apostolorum of the Polish Bishops, I focused on the fact that the Church in Poland continues to hold great potential for faith, for prayer, for charity and for Christian practice. I also pointed out some pastoral challenges such as families, youth, the poor and vocations to priesthood and to consecrated life. I hope that the canonization of John Paul II, and also that of John XXIII, will give new life to the daily commitment and persistent work of the Church in your nation. I am encouraged by the fact that, God willing, two years from now, I will visit your country for the first time for the celebration of World Youth Day.
I invite all people to live profoundly the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and of Blessed John XXIII. Some of you are coming to Rome, but thanks to the presence of mass media, many more will also be able to participate in this great event. Therefore, even before the fact, I wish to thank all the journalists of print media, radio and television for their service at next Sunday's canonization.
I greet all of John Paul II's fellow citizens, and also those who do not belong to the Catholic Church. I hold you all close to my heart. May God bless you all!
Text of the Video message sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis
to citizens of Poland
on the eve of the Canonization of Blessed John Paul II
Dear fellow citizens of Blessed John Paul II,
The canonization of that great man, a great father who passed through history with the name John Paul II is quickly approaching. I am happy to have been called to proclaim his holiness, on the approaching Sunday of Divine Mercy, at the conclusion of the Easter Octave. I am grateful to John Paul II, as are all the members of the People of God, for his indefatigable service, his spiritual guidance, for having led the Church into the third millennium of faith and for his extraordinary witness of holiness.
Pope Benedict XVI rightly noted, three years ago, on the day of the beatification of his predecessor, that what John Paul II asked of everyone else, that is to not be afraid and to open wide the doors to Christ, he himself did first: What the newly-elected Pope asked of everyone, he was himself the first to do: society, culture, political and economic systems he opened up to Christ, turning back with the strength of a titan – a strength which came to him from God – a tide which appeared irreversible. By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel. In a word: he helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty (Homily, May 1, 2011). I fully agree with these words spoken by Pope Benedict XVI.
We all know that, before travelling the streets of the world, Karol Wojtyła grew up in the service of Christ and of the Church, in his native Poland. There, he formed his heart, a heart, a heart which was subsequently opened to a more universal dimension, first by participating in the Second Vatican Council and above all, after October 16, 1978, by finding a place in all the nations, languages and cultures. John Paul II made himself all to all.
I wish to thank the Polish People and the Church in Poland for the gift of John Paul II. We have all been enriched by this gift. John Paul II continues to inspire us. We are inspired by his words, his writing, his gestures, his style of service. We are inspired by his suffering which was lived with heroic hope. We are inspired by his total surrender to Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, and to the Mother of God.
During the recent visit ad liminia Apostolorum of the Polish Bishops, I focused on the fact that the Church in Poland continues to hold great potential for faith, for prayer, for charity and for Christian practice. I also pointed out some pastoral challenges such as families, youth, the poor and vocations to priesthood and to consecrated life. I hope that the canonization of John Paul II, and also that of John XXIII, will give new life to the daily commitment and persistent work of the Church in your nation. I am encouraged by the fact that, God willing, two years from now, I will visit your country for the first time for the celebration of World Youth Day.
I invite all people to live profoundly the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and of Blessed John XXIII. Some of you are coming to Rome, but thanks to the presence of mass media, many more will also be able to participate in this great event. Therefore, even before the fact, I wish to thank all the journalists of print media, radio and television for their service at next Sunday's canonization.
I greet all of John Paul II's fellow citizens, and also those who do not belong to the Catholic Church. I hold you all close to my heart. May God bless you all!
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