Vatican News / Fr. Łukasz Bankowski
On the anniversary of the election of the Polish Pope
The Polish diaspora prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square is held every year on October 16, the anniversary of the election of Card. Karol Wojtyła as Pope. This year marks 48 years since the conclave that elected John Paul II in 1978.
“As every year on the anniversary of the election of Card. Karol Wojtyła as Pope, we are organizing a Polish prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square. It will be an opportunity to listen to the teachings of the Polish Pope on peace,” Fr. Tomasz Jarosz, administrator of the Church of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Rome, told Vatican News.
The central point of the meeting will be joint rosary prayer. The organizers encourage participants to bring their rosaries with them.
For the health of Leo XIV
This year’s vigil will also be a response to Leo XIV’s request for prayer in connection with his upcoming surgery.
“We will pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. We will especially pray for peace in the world, but also, through the intercession of St. John Paul II, we will ask God for the gift of health for Leo XIV,” emphasizes Fr. Jarosz.
In this way, the memory of John Paul II’s pontificate will be combined with prayer for his successor. Participants will also recall the teachings of the Polish Pope regarding peace – which are particularly relevant in view of ongoing conflicts in the world.
Invitation for Poles in Rome
In previous years, several hundred people participated in the vigil. The invitation is addressed both to Poles living in Rome and the surrounding area, as well as pilgrims who will be in the Eternal City on October 16.
“This event always gathers many people. Several hundred people meet in the Square in a spirit of prayer. We encourage you to bring your rosaries. The invitation is addressed to everyone, especially Poles living in Rome and the surrounding area, but also to our compatriots who will be staying in the Eternal City as pilgrims at that time,” the priest adds.
The Polish diaspora vigil will begin on Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Admission is free.
