"I thank God that I could spend over two decades by his side, enjoying his kindliness and friendship, and that today I can carry on his work under his protective glance from the House of the Father". With these words, Benedict XVI commemorated the figure of John Paul II in the TV message broadcasted last night by the Polish TV on the occasion of the "Pope’s Day" that has been celebrated for the last six years on October 16th, the day Karol Woytyla was elected Pope. "I thank God went on the Pope for his life spent in the love of Christ and men that enriched the events of the whole humankind with the grace of the Holy Spirit in an attitude of brotherhood and pace. Finally, I thank God for the testimony of his suffering, joined with the tribulation of Christ, down to his death a testimony that gives us the strength to live and strengthen us in the hope of eternity". "I can still hear the echo of his words, humble, wise and full of devotion, when he replied to the question whether he accepted the choice taken by the Cardinals", added Pope Ratzinger, speaking of October 16th 1978: "I have in front of my eyes his strong and peaceful figure, on the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica when he gave his first blessing to the city and the world. I have never forgotten his prophetic warning: ‘Don’t be afraid! Open your doors to Christ!". (to be continued)
