Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Cardinal Dziwisz Says Mass at John Paul II's Tomb

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 8, 2007 (ZENIT.org ).- Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, celebrated a solemn Mass at the tomb of Pope John Paul II as a sign of reconciliation for the Church and the Polish nation.

Vatican Radio said that 50 priests took part in this morning's celebration with the cardinal, who was the Polish Pontiff's personal secretary.

For those who endured wrongs during communism, Cardinal Dziwisz prayed "that they not be led by emotions but look to Christ, who forgave from the cross."

During the Mass, prayers were said for the beatification of John Paul II. Prayers were also offered for the Polish people to experience heartfelt forgiveness and reconciliation.

Asking for the intercession of John Paul II, Cardinal Dziwisz prayed that every Pole may receive a "spirit of clarity for these difficult things," and asked that no one "be unjustly accused of treason toward Christ and the Church."

Recalling John Paul II's 1981 visit to forgive his would-be assasin, Cardinal Dziwisz explained that the Pope forgave "even if the forgiveness was not requested."

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 9:18 PM