Cardinal Angelo Comastri

Pope St. John Paul II died 15 years ago, on 2 April 2005. The Christian witness with which he bore his long illness inspired believers and non-believers alike. His example, at this moment of global suffering caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, is particularly poignant.

The spread of the epidemic, the growing numbers of those who are infected, and the daily death toll, has fallen on an unprepared society, highlighting the spiritual emptiness of many people. Shortly before his death, the Italian journalist, Indro Montanelli, expressed this lucid and honest consideration: “If I were to close my eyes without knowing where I come from, where I am going and what I have come to do on this earth, would it have been worth it for me to open my eyes in the first place? Mine would be a declaration of failure!” These words of Montanelli are a photograph of the situation of a part of present-day society. This is one of the reasons why the epidemic is so frightening: because, for so many people, faith has died. John Paul II was a believer, a convinced believer, a coherent believer, and faith illuminated the path of his life.

Despite his suffering and long illness, Pope St. John Paul II always conveyed the feeling he was a peaceful man, filled with joy. He knew that life is a race towards God’s Banquet: the Feast of God’s embrace, His infinite glory and happiness. But we must prepare ourselves for that encounter, we must purify ourselves in order to be ready for it, we must cast off any reservations of pride and selfishness, so that we can embrace Him who is Love without shadows. John Paul II lived his suffering with this spirit: even in the hardest moments (like during the assassination attempt when he was shot). He never lost his serenity. Today many people no longer believe in that purpose. That’s why they live pain with despair: because they can’t see beyond the pain.

In his suffering and pain, John Paul II always found a dimension of hope, a special opportunity to encounter the Lord. Pain undoubtedly frightens everyone. But when it is enlightened by faith it becomes a way to cut back selfishness, banalities and frivolities. What’s more, we Christians live pain in communion with the Crucified Jesus: clinging to Him, we fill our pain with love and transform it into a force that challenges and overcomes the selfishness that is still present in the world. John Paul II was a true master of pain redeemed by love and transformed into an antidote to selfishness: redemption of human selfishness. This is possible only by opening one’s heart to Jesus: only with Him can one understand and give value to pain.

We all remember John Paul II’s  last “Good Friday”. The image we saw on television is unforgettable: the Pope, who had lost all his physical strength, holding the Crucifix in his hands, gazing at it with pure love. One could sense he was saying: Jesus, I too am on the Cross like you. But together with you I await the Resurrection.