“The history of Europe and of the world has been influenced by your pontificate in a decisive way”, declares Bishop Reinhard Marx of Trier, in a letter of good wishes to mark the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s pontificate. “Over these last twenty-five years writes the bishop to the Pope you have filled your office for the Church, or rather for the world, in a great and fascinating way, and I wish to thank you for the efforts you have made, for your spiritual clarification and for your theological guidance of the Church in our often difficult times”. “It’s impressive continues Msgr. Marx to see how great an effect the words and example of the Pope have had even beyond the confines of the Church. “The defence of the dignity of the human person, of peace, of the commitment to peace and justice for all peoples, and in particular for the poor, are he concludes for many people the Pope’s most convincing and impressive message”.
