Pope-Paul VI was an 'unforgettable pastor,' says Pope John Paul II

Published: 2004-08-06

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Paul VI was an "unforgettable pastor," and the Catholic Church should always "treasure his example and his teachings," Pope John Paul II said, celebrating Mass on the anniversary of his predecessor's death. Pope John Paul celebrated the Mass Aug. 6 in the chapel of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Paul died in 1978. In addition to remembering the anniversary of Pope Paul's death and praising him as a "faithful imitator of his Lord," Pope John Paul also mentioned the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul's first encyclical, "Ecclesiam Suam" ("His Church"), on the mission of the church in the modern world. The encyclical was dated Aug. 6, 1964. "In that memorable document, Paul VI traced the lines of his plans for his pontificate," Pope John Paul said. The encyclical spoke of the need for the church to be an active partner in promoting development, peace and justice and of doing so from the firm foundation of its mission to preach the Gospel and the brotherhood of all people in Jesus Christ.

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