Vatican City, Apr 3, 2009 / 11:13 am
Yesterday at the Vatican Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI presided over a Mass in commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the death of John Paul II. During his homily, the Pontiff recalled the hope that his predecessor communicated to society.
Turning to the young people early in his homily, the Holy Father noted that their "presence brings to mind the enthusiasm John Paul II was able to infuse in the new generations. His memory is a stimulus for us all, as we gather in this basilica where he often celebrated the Eucharist, to allow ourselves to be illuminated and summoned by the Word of God."
Moving on to reflect on the Gospel readings, Pope Benedict highlighted the difficulties involved in being witnesses of Christ. "Our thoughts", he said, "go to the beloved Servant of God Karol Wojtyla - John Paul II, who from his youth showed himself to be a bold and intrepid defender of Christ. For His sake, he did not hesitate to spend all his energies in order to carry His light everywhere. He accepted no compromise when it came to proclaiming and defending His Truth. He never tired of spreading His love. From the beginning of his pontificate, right up to April 2, 2005, he was not afraid to proclaim, always and to everyone, that only Jesus is the true Liberator of man."
Benedict XVI also spoke about the fruitfulness of John Paul II's pontificate. "We could say ... that he generated many sons and daughters in the faith," he commented, telling the young people present that they "ideally represent the ranks of young men and women who have participated in the twenty-three World Youth Days in various parts of the world. How many vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life, how many young families resolved to live the evangelical ideal and to tend towards sanctity are linked to the testimony and preaching of my venerated predecessor!" the Pope exclaimed. "How many young men and women have converted to, or maintained, the Christian path, thanks to his prayers, his encouragement and the support of his example!"