Pope says predecessor's methods to spread Gospel must be studied

Published: 2006-10-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The message as well as the methods used by Pope John Paul II to spread the Gospel must be studied and duplicated, Pope Benedict XVI said. "John Paul II, philosopher and theologian, great pastor of the church, left a richness of writings and gestures that express his desire to spread the Gospel of Christ throughout the world," the pope said. Meeting some 800 directors and supporters of the John Paul II Foundation, Pope Benedict said their efforts to gather, analyze and make known the late pope's teaching must also include efforts "to touch the mystery of his holiness." The Oct. 23 audience marked the 25th anniversary of the John Paul II Foundation, established initially to strengthen the ties between the Vatican and Poland, spread the spiritual values ingrained in Polish culture, deepen reflection on the Christian roots of Europe and provide scholarships for students from Eastern Europe. After communism fell in Eastern Europe and as Pope John Paul aged, the foundation began a major push to collect, archive and promote the study of the pope's ministry.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .