October 22, 2024·
Today is the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, celebrated on October 22. This date commemorates the anniversary of the inauguration of his papacy in 1978. The Church honors his legacy, reflecting on his teachings, spirituality, and impact on both the Church and the world. This is a rough translation of speech which I have delivered some years ago to celebrate his life. It is challenging to briefly discuss a Pope so revered that history remembers him as “The Great Pope” and, on the day of his passing, the people called him “Saint.” Indeed, John Paul II can be viewed in many ways:
• A Pope who wrote extensively and taught deeply
• A pilgrim Pope who visited numerous countries
• A reforming Pope who initiated significant changes
• A Holy Pope
Given the profound impact of this Pope, who tirelessly worked in the vineyard of the Lord for 26 years, it is difficult to address all aspects of his legacy in a single talk. Therefore, we will focus on some of his key teachings, particularly through his major encyclicals.
My interest in studying Pope John Paul II and his teachings began in 2000, while he was still the head of the Catholic Church. It was, after all, John Paul II who led the Church into the third millennium of faith. My Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Human Studies focused on “The Role of Women in the Magisterium of Pope John Paul II.”
John Paul II, whom we will refer to throughout this talk, succeeded John Paul I (Albino Luciani). After John Paul I’s sudden death on 28 September 1978, after only 33 days as Pope, the Cardinals returned to the Vatican to elect a new leader. The main contenders were Giuseppe Siri and Giovanni Benelli. John Paul II’s papacy, from its beginning, sought to unite those enthusiastic about the reforms of Vatican II, who sometimes introduced divergent ideas, and those labeled as ‘traditionalists’ who feared the changes.
In his first address, delivered in perfect Italian, John Paul II said, “We are still troubled by the death of our beloved Pope John Paul I, and so the Cardinals have called a new Bishop of Rome. They have called him from a far country—far, yet close, because of our unity in the traditions of the Church. I was afraid to accept this responsibility, but I do so in obedience to the Lord and with complete trust in Mary, our most holy Mother.” He continued with humility, saying, “I don’t know if I can express myself in your language—no, in our language, Italian. If I make mistakes, you must correct me.” His humility immediately endeared him to millions.
A curious fact: Wojtyła became a bishop in 1958, the same year that John XXIII became Pope, and 20 years later, he became John XXIII’s successor. Wojtyła, the first non-Italian Pope in 400 years, was also known for his athleticism, often seen running and staying active. Born in 1920 in a small village near Kraków, Poland, Wojtyła’s early life was marked by hardship. His mother died in 1929 when he was just eight years old. While studying at university, his country was invaded by Nazi Germany, followed later by Communist rule. These experiences deeply shaped his vision, particularly his focus on human dignity.
This vision is well-documented in his 14 encyclicals, numerous apostolic exhortations, letters, and homilies. From his first encyclical Redemptor Hominis to his last, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Christ remained at the center of his teachings. In Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, written on the 20th anniversary of Paul VI’s Populorum Progressio, he emphasized that the Church’s social teaching is built on timeless principles, yet it must adapt to the changing world while remaining rooted in the Gospel.
The Church’s missionary call was central to John Paul II’s vision. In Dives in Misericordia, this call became more prominent, building on his earlier encyclical and the teachings of Vatican II, particularly Gaudium et Spes. John Paul emphasized that as the Church focuses on humanity, it must become even more theocentric—centered on God.
His emphasis on human dignity extended to his defense of workers, particularly in Laborem Exercens and Centesimus Annus, where he upheld workers’ rights, including the right to unionize, while criticizing communism. His teachings on work asserted that society exists for the person, not the other way around.
On moral issues, John Paul II defended the Church’s teachings, particularly on life and family. In Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), he affirmed that life begins at conception and condemned abortion and contraception. He also addressed Church leaders on moral guidance in two philosophical encyclicals, Fides et Ratio and Veritatis Splendor, where he explored the relationship between faith and reason and upheld the objective truth of natural law.
John Paul II’s teachings on women countered the secular media’s portrayal of the Church as patriarchal. In Mulieris Dignitatem (1988), he affirmed that men and women are created equally in God’s image, using Mary as a model for women’s role in salvation history. His advocacy against gender discrimination, as seen in his speeches and letters, highlighted his commitment to women’s dignity and their role in society.
Beyond his spiritual teachings, John Paul II was also a writer, known for works like The Jeweler’s Shop, which explored the beauty of marriage. His ability to connect with people through charisma and profound spirituality left a lasting impression, as reflected in his famous words from his first papal Mass: “Do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept His power… Open wide the doors for Christ.”
In conclusion, while it is impossible to cover every aspect of this remarkable Pope’s life in one talk, we can recognize that his spirituality and teachings continue to inspire us today. Let us heed his invitation to open our hearts to Christ’s redeeming power.
– Photo shows one of my holy pictures with ex-indumentis
