Posted on 07/02/2002 10:02:58 AM PDT by nickcarraway
John Paul II Won't Step Down, Says Journalist
But That's Not News to Those Who Know the Pope
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 30, 2002 (Zenit.org).- A journalist's contention that John Paul II has made the firm decision not to step down didn't come as news to the Vatican.
On Saturday, journalist Vittorio Messori, who collaborated with the Pope in the 1994 book "Crossing the Threshold of Hope," published a story in the Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera asserting that the Holy Father would not retire for health reasons.
The journalist said his information came from sources that could be trusted, "beyond any possible denial."
The Vatican Press Office assistant director, Father Ciro Benedettini, said the Vatican had no specific comment on the Corriere report but noted that the information was not particularly new. The Pope on various occasions has said it was for God to decide when his work was finished, Father Benedettini noted.
In a paraphrase of what Messori affirms are John Paul II's thoughts on the subject of retirement, the Corriere article said: "The force to continue is not my problem but that of Christ, who wanted to call me, though unworthy, to be his vicar on earth. In his mysterious design, he has brought me here. And it will be he who decides my fate."
The Holy Father's homily on Saturday afternoon, during the Mass celebrating the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, seemed to confirm Messori's thesis.
Commenting on Peter's liberation from prison by an angel, the Pope said: "With this extraordinary intervention God's help arrived to his apostle so that he could continue in his mission -- a mission that was not easy, that implied a difficult and fatiguing journey."
Mentioning the suffering of the Apostle Paul, the Pope added: "Whoever confides in God is freed from every fear and also experiences the consoling presence of the Spirit, especially in moments of trial and suffering."
Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur, a compatriot and close friend of the Pope's, told the daily La Repubblica that John Paul II "will never abandon the Church." It is the Lord who decides when it will be time for the Pope to go, the cardinal said.
With Saturday's homily, John Paul II has in effect answered all those who speculated about his possible resignation, affirmed Cardinal Deskur.
"He taught others to be strong, and to never become discouraged," the cardinal added. "And as for himself, he never said no to whatever sacrifice in the name of the Lord."
VIVA IL PAPA! CENT' ANNI
VATICAN CITY, JULY 1, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II's address on Sunday to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
1. Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, whom the Church of Rome venerates as its principal patrons. In this special circumstance I perceived, as Peter's Successor, the profound solidarity of the whole ecclesial community. I recalled the words of the Book of Acts of the Apostles: "Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf" (Acts 12:5). Yes, I have felt around me the intense prayer of the whole Church, and because of this I wish to express to all today my cordial gratitude.
2. Indeed, every day I feel my ministry is sustained by the incessant prayer of the People of God: of many persons who are unknown to me, but who are so close to my heart, who offer their prayers and sacrifices to the Lord, for the intentions of the Pope. At times of greatest difficulty and suffering, this spiritual force is a valid help and profound consolation.
I always need your prayer, dear faithful of Rome and of the whole world! In fact, without it, how could I respond to the word of the Lord who commands Simon Peter: "Duc in altum!" "Put out into the deep!" (Luke 5:4)?
3. After overcoming multiple trials, even mortal ones, with the help of God, Peter and Paul carried to fulfillment their apostolic mission in this city of ours, where so many vestiges recall their memory.
4. Encouraged by their witness, let us renew the commitment to remain united in prayer, as one heart and one soul. Mary Most Holy, the Mother of the Lord and of every Christian, prays together with us, as in the first community of Jerusalem. To her, model of the praying Church, we confidently address ourselves.
[After praying the Angelus, the Pope added:]
I greet the pilgrims present with affection, especially the youths of the parish of Carate Brianza, accompanied by the parish priest and the catechists. May the visit to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul help you in the way of faith and Christian witness.
The month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, ends today. May his immense love be a source of peace for every man and for the whole world!
I wish everyone a happy Sunday and a serene summer.
[Translation by ZENIT]
Totus Tuus.
BUMP
Whoa... I'm reading "Windswept House" and this speech hits really close to what the book is about. < /tinfoil hat>
JPII is incredible.
Let's thank God each day for giving us His humble servant who continues to steadfastly guide the church through these tumultuous times. Lord knows, he has enough enemies!
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