Uniting
October 16, 1978- April 2, 2005
Saint Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II raised his voice against the evil in our "culture of death," and at the time that was communism. He is credited with advancing the fall of communism in Poland. He challenged and warned the communist leaders that they were being watched carefully and that they have a responsibility "before history and before your conscience." He inspired other leaders to act against communism. In December of '89 the Soviet president visited the Pope in the Vatican. This united and ended hostile acts between Rome and Moscow. He became very popular with the people once he took his numerous pilgrimages; he often spoke out against communism in his travels. He spoke of his faith openly and publicly making many historical and cultural references. A year after his first visit to Poland the people found the courage to organize the first anti-communist political movement because of him. In 2002 he called 50 religious leaders to a peace pilgrimage; the purpose was to host a prayer service to ask God for the gift of peace to unite the world.
"Don't be afraid!" - Pope John Paul II
Saint John Paul II and the Youth
Pope John Paul II spoke out against materialism and a society where many people have forgotten God. He ministered through youth rallies where he encouraged young people to affirm life and unite in the face of so many negative messages. He inspired them to give their energy and ideals to the church, and to grow in the gifts of service and compassion. Many youth and adults alike traveled far distances to visit him. These people were united in their love for the Pope.
Pope John Paul - The Impossible Dream.
Blessed John Paul II and children
Pope of the People
As seen in the videos above, Pope John Paul II was truly a Pope for the people. He took more pilgrimages than any other Pope in history visiting his people. He brought people together in rallies, Catholic masses, and in just meeting the people. All kinds of people of many different faiths were drawn to him. He had a youthful spirit and a playful sense of humor. The Pope initiated a World Youth Day. It united over 100,000 teenagers. He was so committed to the youth for many reasons, but the main reason being he knew they were the future of the church.
A Pope Loved By All
The Pope was loved by all types of people despite age, political views, and even religion. He was the first pope to enter a synagogue and a mosque. He was the first pope to visit Egypt, a mainly muslim country. The evening before he died 70,000 people gathered in the Vatican square. He truly united the world with his love for God and his leadership.