Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Reflection of Benedict XVI before Angelus Prayer, Oct 16, anniversary of JPII's pontificate

VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI at Angelus reflection recalls Pope John Paul II, “contemplative and missionary”: “In him we admired the power of the faith and prayer and total trust in Most Holy Mary who accompanied and protected him always”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - On 16 October 1978, 27 years ago the Archbishop of Krakow Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was elected successor of Saint Peter. The recurrence was highlighted by Benedict XVI during his reflection before the Angelus prayer on Sunday 16 October .

“With Pope John Paul II began one of the longest pontificates in the history of the Church - said Pope Benedict XVI -, during which the pope ‘who came from afar’ was recognised as a moral authority by many also non Christians and non believers as it was seen by expressions of affection on the occasion of his illness and later sympathy at his death.” The unending pilgrimage to his tomb “is an eloquent sign of how much the beloved John Paul II found his way to people’s hearts above all with his witness of love and dedication in suffering. In him we admired the power of the faith and prayer and total trust in Most Holy Mary who accompanied and protected him always, particularly at the most difficult the tragic times of his life.”

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Rosary, evangelization, became symbols of John Paul II’s pontificate, says Pope Benedict

Vatican City, Oct. 17, 2005 (CNA) - On the day that would have been his 27th anniversary of being elected Pope, Benedict XVI honored the memory of his successor, John Paul II during yesterday’s Angelus prayer, recalling his influence to both Christians and non-Christians.

"On a day like today, 27 years ago," the Pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter‘s Square, "the Lord called Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Krakow, to succeed John Paul I, who died just over a month after being elected."

Benedict recalled that, "John Paul II, 'who came from a far country,' was recognized as a moral authority even by many non-Christians and non-believers, as was clear from the many moving expressions of affection on the occasion of his illness and of profound condolence after his death.”

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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:26 PM