Pope Benedict: John Paul's ministry, agony showed his love of Christ

Published: 2007-04-02

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II's intense pastoral ministry, "but even more, the Calvary of agony and the serene death of our beloved pope let all people of our age know that Jesus Christ really was his everything," Pope Benedict XVI said. Pope Benedict marked the second anniversary of Pope John Paul's death by celebrating a memorial Mass the evening of April 2 in St. Peter's Square. The pope said his predecessor truly fit the biblical description of a "servant of God," which is the way the church officially refers to him while "his process of beatification quickly progresses." Pope Benedict, who had set aside the five-year waiting period usually required before a sainthood cause begins, told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square that the initial, diocesan phase of Pope John Paul's cause had concluded earlier in the day. While the church has not solemnly proclaimed Pope John Paul a saint in heaven, Pope Benedict said he is certain that "our beloved John Paul II" continues to accompany the church with his prayers.

Copyright (c) 2007 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 The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in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 .