Cardinal Parolin: 鈥楳ay 杏MAP导航 St John Paul II bless this wounded humanity'
By Linda Bordoni
Reflecting on 杏MAP导航 John Paul II鈥檚 final moments two decades ago, Cardinal Pietro Parolin recalled the powerful images of the 杏MAP导航 embracing the cross during the Via Crucis, his silent Easter Sunday blessing from the window overlooking St. Peter鈥檚 Square, and the immense crowd that gathered to bid farewell to their shepherd.
The Vatican Secretary of State was celebrating Holy Mass in St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica on the afternoon of April 2, in the presence of clergy, religious, dignitaries, and faithful gathered to commemorate the late pontiff in a spirit of gratitude and joy
鈥淭he world united in prayer as he entrusted himself to the merciful embrace of the Father,鈥� the cardinal remarked.
Drawing from the Gospel of John, he reflected on the deep faith that guided John Paul II throughout his life: 鈥淲hoever listens to my word and believes in the One who sent me has eternal life鈥� (John 5:24). This conviction, he said, sustained the late 杏MAP导航 in his unwavering mission, leading him to face challenges with extraordinary courage and faithfulness.
In his homily, he highlighted the Polish 杏MAP导航鈥檚 profound sense of living under God鈥檚 gaze, citing his reflections in his collection, Roman Triptych, where he described God as the 鈥淔irst seer鈥� before whom all things are laid bare. 鈥淭he transparency of his life before God,鈥� the cardinal noted, 鈥渨as the foundation of his fearless witness to the truth, his unyielding defense of human dignity, and his tireless proclamation of the Gospel.鈥�
Divine Providence
A central theme of the homily was John Paul II鈥檚 recognition of divine providence in his own life. Recalling the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 words following the 1981 assassination attempt, Cardinal Parolin noted how Karol Wojtyla saw his survival as a gift from God, reaffirming his dedication to serving the Church.
鈥淭he Divine Providence has saved me in a miraculous way from death. The One who is the only Lord of life and death, He Himself prolonged my life, in a certain way gave it to me anew,鈥� John Paul II wrote in his spiritual testament.
This sense of mission, Parolin said, was further shaped by the counsel of Cardinal Stefan Wyszy艅ski, who foresaw his role in leading the Church into the Third Millennium. This prophetic guidance, he noted, gave John Paul II the clarity of purpose that would define his pontificate.
Do not be afraid
The Vatican Secretary of State also reflected on the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 historic role in the Great Jubilee of 2000.
鈥淔or John Paul II, Christ was the center of history, and he called the world to rediscover its meaning in the light of the Redeemer.鈥�
Recalling his invitation to the Church to 鈥減ut out into the deep鈥� (Duc in altum), Parolin said it continues to resonate today, inspiring 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� vision of a 鈥淐hurch in mission.鈥� As John Paul II wrote in Novo Millennio Ineunte: 鈥淒o not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!鈥�
War is always a defeat
A tireless advocate for peace and human dignity, John Paul II鈥檚 voice resounded in defense of the oppressed and in opposition to war. 鈥淓ven when his words went unheeded,鈥� Cardinal Parolin said, 鈥渉is commitment to peace remained unwavering, embodying the prophetic witness of the Church.鈥�
He recalled how John Paul II pleaded for the avoidance of war, warning, 鈥淲ar is always a defeat for humanity.鈥�
The cardinal concluded appealing for John Paul II鈥檚 intercession. Echoing the words of 杏MAP导航 Benedict XVI during the funeral Mass 20 years ago when the faithful were invited to turn to him once more, he prayed: 鈥淏less us, Holy Father John Paul II! Bless this pilgrim Church of hope, this wounded humanity in search of its dignity and vocation, that it may rediscover the mercy and love of God.鈥�
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