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gon gon/III. From Pius XII to Francis, the Popes of a Lifetime

Question 3.50

3.50 How are we to understand the election of John Paul II?

This pope shows the glory of suffering. His pontificate was prodigious and at the same time crucified. John Paul II experienced great triumphs for the Church on the international, political, and media scene. On the pastoral level, his contribution was essential, particularly his dialogue with youth, whom he set back on the path of Jesus. And yet, he remained a pontiff closely associated with the Passion and suffering of Christ. For, in union with the Son of God, the successes always brought trials with them. This pope lived fully the glorious mystery of Christ, the mystery of the Cross, in which victory triumphs in suffering.

John Paul II combated the forces of evil with unequaled fervor. Since he defended human life, the hidden powers could only unleash torrents of hatred against him. The assassination attempt on May 13, 1981, so soon after his election, and the serious consequences of his injuries were the response of the forces of evil to the extraordinary election of that man.

But God had a plan that the enemies of the Church could not thwart. John Paul II thought that the Blessed Virgin had deflected the bullet that was supposed to kill him. With the rare strength that was characteristic of him, he was a warrior chosen by heaven to defend life, the dignity of every human person, and the family.

During an Angelus message on May 29, 1994, when John Paul II was very weak because of a troublesome hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, he said these extraordinary words: “Precisely because the family is threatened, because the family is attacked, the pope must suffer, so that all families and the whole world might see that there is a Gospel of suffering, through which we must prepare the future, the third millennium of families, of every family and of all families.”

John Paul II had an acute awareness of the ministry of Christ that he had to bear.

God conformed this pope to the suffering of his Son. The lance that pierced Christ and the nails of his crucifixion went to the heart of John Paul II. The Polish pope showed that there is no pastoral success without sharing in Christ’s suffering.