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Catholic World News News Feature

Benedict XVI lauds John Paul II in Polish TV interview October 17, 2005

In the first television interview of his pontificate, broadcast in Poland on October 16, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed his intention to visit Poland-- perhaps in June 2006-- and said that he hopes to help the Church implement the teachings of Pope John Paul II.

The interview was broadcast in Poland on the 27th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II, and devoted largely to the new Pope's reflections on his predecessor. The interview had been recorded on September 20, at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Speaking in German, the Pope answered questions posed by Father Andrej Majewski, the head of Catholic programming for the Polish TVP broadcasting network.

Pope Benedict said that his predecessor left the Church with a "rich patrimony" of teaching, in his 14 encyclicals and many other pastoral statements. "My personal mission is not to issue many new documents, but to ensure that his documents are assimilated," the Pontiff said; "because they are a rich treasure."

Benedict XVI said that John Paul II "is always close to me through his writings." He lauded his predecessor as the quintessential interpreter of Vatican II, and said that he relies heavily on the guidance of his work. He also disclosed that "I entrust myself to his prayers," saying that he remains in conversation with the deceased Pontiff in prayer, "in a new way, in a very deep way."

Pope Benedict confirmed that he plans to visit Poland to pay homage to John Paul II on his native soil, and "I am told June would be the best time." Although plans are not settled, he told the Polish television audience: "God willing, I could come to Poland."

The Pope said that he had been aware of his Polish colleague for years, but first had the opportunity to speak with him at some length before the conclaves of 1978. The two immediately struck up a friendship, he recalled. He also spoke of his final meeting with the late Pontiff, on the day before he died. John Paul was "very lucid," although his suffering was evident, he reported.

Reflecting on the major accomplishments of John Paul's long pontificate, Benedict XVI said that he created a new interest in spirituality and moral principles thoughout the world. Within the Church, he added, John Paul II "helped mobilize the youth of the world for the cause of God and for the love of Christ."