Finland: the Pope’s teaching is"Totus tuus"” “” “

We continue our report on thoughts and prayers from European bishops’ conferences for the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s Pontificate. (See also Sir 68/2003). “Any reflection on the person and teaching of John Paul II must start out from his motto: ‘Totus tuus'”: so says Jòzef Wròbel, bishop of Helsinki, who explains: “this Marian […]

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Serbia and Montenegro: "humble, clear, steadfast"” “

“Even though the Federation of Serbia and Montenegro remains one of the few countries that John Paul II has never visited, his presence is deeply felt”: so says the archbishop of Belgrade, Msgr. Stanislav Hocevar. “For civil society – continues the archbishop – the teaching of John Paul II and his commitment to peace are […]

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Iceland: "we remember him with gratitude"” “

“The main moment of contact between the Holy Father and the Icelandic people took place during his apostolic journey to Iceland in 1989. At the airport – recalls Father August George, vicar general of the diocese of Reykjavik – the Prime Minister together with the whole cabinet welcomed him to the country; also present were […]

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Slovakia: "a star of hope"” “

“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 […]

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Greece: "a time of grace"" "

Slovakia: "a star of hope"” “

“A time of grace for the whole Church”: that’s how Msgr. Nicolaos Foskolos, president of the Greek Episcopal Conference and archbishop of Athens, defines the twenty-five years of pontificate of John Paul II. “All Greek Catholics are close to the Pope and are praying for him, that the Lord may give him strength and health […]

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Italy: a love returned” “

“With this highly significant gesture you have wished to give a voice to the feelings of the people who live in this magnificent and special city: feelings of deep affection, gratitude and admiration for this Pope who has established a unique and extraordinarily strong relationship with Rome over the last 25 years”. With these words […]

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Germany: in defence of the poor” “

“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 […]

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Belgium: "he does not leave us indifferent"” “

“Friend of the young, apostle of peace, defender of life and messenger of justice, the Pope does not leave us indifferent. Even if not all our fellow-citizens share his ethical teaching, very few fail to recognise that he has a spiritual stature quite out of the ordinary”: so write the bishops of Belgium in a […]

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Slovenia: the ‘vivid’ memory of the Pope’s two visits” “

The Slovene bishops shall never forget all that the Pope has done for Slovenia. Their gratitude has been expressed in a letter sent to John Paul II on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his pontificate. Its purpose was explained to SIR by Father Janez Gril, spokesman of the Slovene bishops: “Slovenia is happy […]

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Turkey: witness of dialogue” “” “

“Gratitude and spiritual closeness” is what the Catholic Church of Turkey expresses to John Paul II on the 25th anniversary of his pontificate. In the words of Father Davide Vezoli, general secretary of the Turkish Episcopal Conference, it also prays for the “physical and moral graces which the Pope needs to continue his apostolate. And […]

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