Cardinal Parolin about San Juan Pablo: His life and his mission were developed in total transparency before God

The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said that all the life and mission of San Juan Pablo II “developed in total and continuous transparency before the eyes of God.”

“There is no doubt that all his life and his mission were developed in total and continuous transparency in the eyes of God. Who is aware that he lives under the gaze of God has nothing to hide and does not fear the look of men,” said Cardinal Parolin in the Mass he presided in the basilica of St. Peter in Memory of San Juan Pablo II, on the twentieth anniversary of his death.

“It certainly lies one of the foundations of the extraordinary courage of John Paul II and his constant testimony of faith,” he insisted.

In his homily he recalled with deep gratitude the life and the pontificate of San Juan Pablo II

“This Eucharistic celebration takes place during the Lenten path. It is a celebration in gratitude and joy, because it brings us into the blessed memory of the death of a saint, John Paul II, of his Dies Natalis, the passage to the fullness of life,” said Cardinal Parolin after emotioning the final moments of his pontificate, remembering how the whole world accompanied his last via crucis and his last via crucis Apostolic Palace window.

“Most of us remember very well those days of twenty years ago. We remember the Crucis of Good Friday in the Colosseum, with the prayer of the crowd accompanied by the image of the Pope in his chapel. We remember his appearance in the window of the Plaza de San Pedro for a Easter blessing and without words. Finally, let’s remember, along with the whole church and much of humanity, the anticipation of the encounter of our beloved Pope with the Lord. afternoon of the eve of Sunday of Mercy, ”said the Prelate.

The Secretary of State also recalled the attack that the Pope suffered in 1981 in the Plaza de San Pedro highlighting his total abandonment in the hands of Providence: “The Holy Pontiff remembered the day of the attack in the Plaza de San Pedro with these words: ‘The Divine Providence has saved me in a miraculous way of death. He, who is the only lord of life and death, has prolonged me this life. This moment belongs even more to Him. I hope he helps me to recognize how far I must continue this service, which he has called me.

Since his choice in 1978, John Paul II understood that his mission was to guide the Church towards the third millennium. His 26 -year -old pontificate was marked by his tireless delivery and his love passionate about Christ.

“The Cardinal Primate of Poland, Stefan Wyszyński, told him the day of his choice: ‘Your mission will be to introduce the church in the third millennium.’ This helped him understand the great historical and ecclesial mission that he had already entrusted to him that he promised with all his heart, soul and forces, in the 26 years of his immense pontificate, going to the most remote corners of the planet, Tireless pilgrim to bring the gospel to the confines of the earth, ”recalled Cardinal Parolin.

The jubilee of the year 2000 was a culminating moment of his ministry and marked the beginning of the new millennium with a strong call to hope.

“We cannot forget that great step of the Holy Gate in 2000, as well as the invitation of the Holy Pope at the end of the great jubilee so that the church boat would come back to sea with confidence in the third millennium. We repeated the words of Jesus to Simon Pedro: Duc in Altum (navigate sea inside),” he said.

He also said that his successor Pope Francis is now guiding the Church through the new Jubileo de la Esperanza.

“See you as a church in exit, navigators in turbulent waters, but still pilgrims of hope, guided by the successor of Peter and assisted by the Holy Spirit,” said Cardinal Parolin.

A legacy of faith and courage

In the homily, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, said that San John Paul II worked tirelessly for the unity of the Church and peace in the world.

“We remember his tireless peace service, his passionate warnings and his diplomatic initiatives to avoid conflicts. Despite the deterioration of his physical strength, he never stopped raising his voice in favor of justice and human dignity,” said Cardinal Parolin who also highlighted how the Polish Pope directed his message not only to Catholics, but to all humanity, calling the world to open to Christ.

“We cannot forget his first and unforgettable homily as Pope: ‘You are not afraid! Open the doors to Christ!’

“The testimony of the saints is still solid and alive. They guide us with their example and help us receive with faith and audacity the challenges of our time,” concluded Cardinal Parolin.