On April 2, 2025 he marked the twentieth anniversary of the disappearance of Pope John Paul II, a figure who left an indelible imprint in the history of the Catholic Church and on the world scene.
On April 2, 2025 he marked the twentieth anniversary of the disappearance of Pope John Paul II, a figure who left an indelible imprint in the history of the Catholic Church and on the world scene. His pontificate, which lasted over 26 years, was characterized by a tireless energy, an innovative vision and a profound commitment for peace and social justice.
An innovative pontificate
Elected to the papal dream on October 16, 1978, Karol Wojtyła was the first non -Italian pope after 455 years and the first coming from Eastern Europe: it came from Poland, a country then under Soviet control. His election represented a historical event and the beginning of a pontificate that would leave an indelible imprint on the Church and the world .. his election marked a significant turning point, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to the guidance of the Church. John Paul II has traveled more than any other Pope, visiting 129 countries and approaching the Church to the faithful around the world. These apostolic journeys not only strengthened the global Catholic presence, but also promoted interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
A revolutionary pope
On October 22, 1978, John Paul II pronounced the famous speech of the pontificate beginning in St. Peter’s Square:
“Don’t be afraid! Open, indeed open the doors to Christ!”
These words became a symbol of his papacy, characterized by a tireless energy and a strong closeness to the faithful. In the early years of his pontificate, Wojtyła embarked on a mission of global evangelization, carrying out apostolic journeys all over the world to bring the Church closer to people. He was also a great defender of human rights, opposing communism and supporting the movement Solidarność in Poland, which contributed to the fall of the Soviet regime.
On May 13, 1981, the world held his breath: Mehmet Ali Ağcaa Turkish terrorist, shot John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square. The blows hit the Pope to the abdomen and hand, putting his life at risk. After a long surgery and months of rehabilitation, Wojtyła managed to survive. An extraordinary event took place in 1983, when John Paul II visited his attacker in prison and publicly forgiven him, demonstrating his deep Christian spirit.
The commitment to peace and interreligious dialogue
In the following years, John Paul II intensified his role as a global mediator, promoting peace in many areas of the world. He opposed the Gulf War (1991) and the invasion of Iraq (2003). It was also the first Pope to visit a synagogue (1986) and to pray in the Mosque of Damascus (2001), marking moments of great opening towards interreligious dialogue. One of the most significant events of his pontificate was the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi (1986), where he brought together leaders of different religions to invoke peace in the world.
The year of the great Jubilee (2000)
2000 was a fundamental year: John Paul II celebrated the Great Jubileean event that recalled millions of pilgrims in Rome. During this extraordinary year, forgiveness asked for the errors of the Church in the past, including the attitude towards the Shoah and the Crusades. In the same year, he proclaimed Santa Sister Faustina Kowalska And he established the Divine Mercy feast, a central theme of his pontificate.
The last few years and the suffering of the disease
Starting in 2001, Parkinson’s disease began to debilit the Pope. Despite the disease, John Paul II continued to lead the Church with great strength. The image of the suffering pope, but always present, became a symbol of his dedication and sacrifice. The last public appearance took place on March 30, 2005, when, looking out the window of the Apostolic Palace, he tried to speak to the faithful but could not issue any sound.
The April 2, 2005at 9:37 pm, John Paul II died in his room in the Vatican. His last words were:
“Let me go to the father’s house.”
The funeral, the April 8, 2005they were an epochal event, with millions of faithful and heads of state present. The crowd inton the cry: “Holy immediately!”asking for its immediate canonization.
Blessed and canonization
In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared Blessed John Paul II, recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession. In 2014, under Pope Francis, he was canonized together with Pope John XXIII. On April 27, 2014, in a historic ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, John Paul II was proclaimed Saint.
Conclusion: an unforgettable Pope
John Paul II was a revolutionary Pope, a global leader and a man of extraordinary faith. His pontificate has changed the Church and the world, leaving a legacy of hope, peace and dialogue. Twenty years after his death, his message continues to inspire millions of people.
Encyclicals and teachings
During his pontificate, John Paul II published 14 encyclicals, facing theological, moral and social issues. Among the most significant:
- Redemptor Hominis (1979): His first encyclical, focused on the dignity of man and on the redeemed mission of Christ.
- Slavorum Apostoli (1985): Dedicated to the Saints Cyril and Methodius, he underlines the importance of the inculturation of the Gospel and ecumenical dialogue.
- Sollicitudo rei socialis (1987): an in -depth analysis of contemporary social issues, with a focus on solidarity and integral human development.
- Redemptoris Mission (1990): The urgency of the Church’s evangelizing mission in the modern world reaffirms.
A spiritual heir of San Pietro
John Paul II embodied the essence of the papacy as Saint Peter’s successor, guiding the Church through turbulent times with faith and courage. His ability to communicate with people of different cultures and faiths, combined with his profound spirituality, has made him a loved and respected figure globally. Twenty years after his death, the legacy of John Paul II continues to live in the collective memory of the Church and the world. His example of moral leadership, his commitment to peace and his dedication to human dignity remain a source of inspiration for millions of people. Remembering him means not only honoring the past, but also committing to carrying out the values he embodied during his life.
