Pope John Paul II Remembered

(02 Apr 08 - RV) It may have been 3years since the passing of Pope John Paul II but judging by the thousands of people who packed St Peter’s Square to mark this 3^rd anniversary his popularly was still very much in evidence.

A river of Cardinals and Bishops processed through the pilgrims, many of whom were from the late pontiffs homeland, Poland. Clearly visible too were banners paying tribute to Pope John Paul II, some with his image, others with the profound words he used like “Don’t be Afraid”.

Pope Benedict who had presided of his predecessors funeral mass in 2005 on Wednesday celebrated the mass to mark the 3^rd anniversary of his death.

The Holy Father dressed in red vestments greeted the crowds as he made his way to the alter in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

In his homily, Pope Benedict recalled that unforgettable night when Pope John Paul II departed from this life. We relive he said with emotion the hours of that Saturday evening, when the news of the death was given to the crowds of people gathered in prayer in St Peter’s Square. For days after the Vatican Basilica and this Square really were the heart of the world. An unbroken river of pilgrims filed past the body of this venerated Pontiff and his funeral marked a further outpouring of the esteem and affection.

Pope Benedict went on to recall the words of St Paul about the suffering Jesus. ” if we die with him, we will also live with him; if we persevere with him, we will also reign with him" .

Since he was child the Holy Father said, Karol Wojtyla had tested the truth of these words, encountering the cross through his life, with his family and with his countrymen. The Pope Benedict continued by saying that, Pope John Paul II had decided early on to carry that cross together with Jesus, following his footprints.

Pope Benedict also had a special message during his homily for the participants first World Congress of Divine Mercy being held this week in Rome. He said the Mercy of God was a key element of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul the II . He wanted, that the message of the merciful love of God reach all of men and women and urged the faithful to be the witnesses. For this purpose he raised the chief devotee of Divine Mercy Sister Faustina Kowalska to Sainthood.

Finally, the Holy Father said we give thanks to the Lord for giving the Church this faithful and brave servant. We praise and we bless the Virgin Mary for having kept watch incessantly over him and his ministry.

We have remembered with love my venerated predecessor Pope John Paul II may the example of joy and courage in his service to the church inspire us to embrace with hope and generosity the task of being faithful Christians in our daily lives.

Following the mass he travelled around St Peter’s Square in the affectionately named Pope mobile waving to the estimated 40 thousand strong crowd.