Krakow, Poland, Apr 3, 2018 / 09:04 am
Thirteen years after the death of St. John Paul II, a close friend and colleague of the beloved Polish pope said the pontiff's vast legacy and influence can still be felt, and is a source of inspiration for the world.
"Thirteen years have passed since the death of this Holy Shepherd, yet he unceasingly continues to speak, inspiring, showing the way, and encouraging," said Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz April 2.
In looking at the "book of life" for John Paul, Dziwisz said it is clear that the Polish pope's life and ministry were a reflection of Jesus Christ, and were built on the "rock" of his personal relationship with God.
Dziwisz, archbishop emeritus of Krakow, was a close friend of Pope Saint John Paul II and served as his personal secretary for 40 years – both in Poland before the pontiff was elected to the papacy, and afterward for the entirety of his pontificate.