The Man, the Pope, the Saint

Today the Church celebrates the feast day of my hero: Carol Joseph Wojtyla, or, as we usually call him, Saint Pope John Paul II.

When I arrived at the Vatican as a young Swiss Guard, I had a largely secular understanding of Catholicism. At that point, my faith was my parents’ and not truly my own, an “outsider” view that was both helpful and deceiving. Because of that perspective, I was able to meet and then interact with John Paul without any preconceived notion—meaning his impression on me was not filtered through my perception of his office.

During his pontificate, we had an extraordinary example of human greatness, first with his apostolic vigor and then through his witness of faithfulness; even in his suffering and sickness, he pointed the way for us to an authentic human growth, fully human, a growth that was not only cultural but also economic, a growth nourished by spiritual food.

John Paul was a special person, gifted with a brilliant intellect and with an enormous ability to communicate. Those of us who had daily contact with him were always struck by the richness of his intuitions, the depth of his spirituality, the example of his prayerfulness, and his immense humility, which was rooted in his intimate union with Christ. It was his utility which permitted him to continue to guide the Church and to give eloquent messages even when his physical strength was failing him.

The longer he prayed, the more absorbed in the prayer he became, until he seemed completely taken up in it, as if nothing and no one in the room could pull him back from the place he’d gone. I remember clearly the intensity with which he celebrated the Eucharist, how he remained deeply recollected in prayer at the conclusion of Mass, and the devotion with which he spoke spontaneously of Jesus and Mary. 

At the same time, he had an uncommon ability to speak to people, both privately and to a crowd, with a particular magnetism towards young people, many of whom declared themselves far from the Church. One particular image will remain forever impressed in my memory: I opened a side door to make a security check only to find him sitting, still vested for Mass, in a small room adjacent to Michelangelo’s famous Pieta, embracing a large crucifix just as a mother holds her baby, giving and receiving true love.

I personally witnessed the Holy Father demonstrate that true joy is not a mere passing emotion but from knowing Jesus as one’s True Joy and True Love. It was through his witness that I was continually exhorted to serve others as Christ did, as one who came not to be served but to serve.

John Paul impacted my young life in profound ways, laying the groundwork for my becoming a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and, most importantly, a practicing Catholic. It was his example that inspired me, his words that gave me hope, and his ideas that provided direction to my life. I miss him very much!

Saint Pope John Paul II, pray for us!

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