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Poles remember pope who died 15 years ago

02.04.2020 11:15
Thousands in Poland and elsewhere were on Thursday expected to honour the legacy of the late Polish-born pope who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005.
Pope John Paul II, pictured in January 2004.
Pope John Paul II, pictured in January 2004. Photo: PAP/EPA (MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI)

Thursday marks 15 years since Pope John Paul II died after a pontificate lasting more than 26 years.

In previous years, anniversary events commemorating the pontiff’s death have included religious services in churches and prayer vigils attended by crowds.

This year, due to the spread of the coronavirus, an online vigil combined with reflections on John Paul II’s teachings is scheduled to take place in the evening instead of the traditional public gatherings, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

The motto of this year’s commemoration is "You must be strong with the power of love," referring to the words John Paul II uttered during his first papal visit to Poland in 1979.

Ninety-two percent of adults in Poland said in a survey in 2018 that the late pontiff remained a moral authority for them.

John Paul II, who visited 129 countries during his long pontificate, served as pope from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005.

He was the third longest-serving pontiff in history and was declared a saint in 2014.

The pope was a strong supporter of Poland's anti-communist Solidarity movement and is recognised as a key influence in helping to end communist rule in Poland in 1989.

Recently unearthed documents show that Pope John Paul II was seen as the main enemy of Poland’s communist-era rulers, according to a report.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR