Piotr Kowalczuk
The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Holy See, Adam Kwiatkowski, and Consul Bartosz Skwarczyński from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Italy were present. Several hundred Poles living in Rome and tourists from Poland attended the service. The prayers were led by the former secretary of St. John Paul II, Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik, currently the rector of St. Stanislaus Church in Rome.
Monsignor Ptasznik: Today John Paul II would ask for prayers for peace
In an interview with Vatican News, when asked what the Polish Pope would say to the faithful today, Monsignor Ptasznik expressed his conviction that, given the ongoing wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa, St. John Paul II, just as during his pontificate, would appeal for peace and prayers for peace, as well as for the involvement in this intention of all who can influence this tragic situation: “But I think he would also not omit topics such as spiritual life, family life, and life in general, because these were topics close to his heart, and above all, he would speak about Christ, whose Passion we are about to experience, and then we will rejoice in His Resurrection. Holy Father John Paul II placed great emphasis on ensuring that the experience of Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, was vivid, leaving a mark in each of us in a close relationship with Jesus, who died for us.”
Ambassador Adam Kwiatkowski: the message of St. John Paul II is timeless and necessary
In an interview with Vatican News, the Ambassador expressed joy that Poles, raising white and red flags, came to St. Peter’s Square to give thanks for this great pontificate and the life of Karol Wojtyła, for all he did for Poland and for the world. “I think that in these difficult times, we need to recall his figure, a man who was able to show the way to peace, to a world where we can all feel safe and needed. His message is timeless and necessary even today. Our presence here testifies to how important this figure was, how important this pontificate was, and how important this Pole was for all of us.”
