“This pontificate declares Msgr. Marian Gavenda, spokesman of the Slovak Episcopal Conference reflects the pulse of our history. Ever since John Paul II has sat on the throne of Peter, he has appeared to us as a star of hope. This increases awareness in us that the Pope is close to us, that he is close to our mentality. He has lived and performed his pastoral ministry, given consolation and courage, under the same regime as us Slovaks. Apart from his contribution to the removal of totalitarian regimes, we have perceived a new ‘breath of the Spirit’ that is renewing the Church and, especially among the young, a revival of enthusiasm and courage. After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, thousands of pilgrims have enthusiastically realised their long dreamt-of aspiration of going to Rome and being able personally to meet the Pope. John Paul II is a living presence in the daily life of our Church: countless faithful offer their labours, their illnesses, their sufferings and their prayers everyday for the Pope. Like a father, he warns us of dangers. His personality introduces concord into political tensions. With his teaching and example he encourages us to embrace with trust and generosity the challenges that lie before us”.
