Pope Benedict notes first feast of Blessed John Paul II, looks forward to Assisi
October 24, 2011
During his midday audience on Sunday, October 23, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the crowd in St. Peter’s Square that the previous day had marked the first celebration of the feast day of Blessed John Paul II.
In May, when he presided at his predecessor’s beatification, Pope Benedict announced that the feast of Blessed John Paul II would be observed on October 22: the date of his installation as Roman Pontiff. The feast was observed as a memorial in the Diocese of Rome and in Poland; in other dioceses it is an optional memorial.
In recalling his predecessor, Pope Benedict also asked for prayers for the success of the October 27 pilgrimage of peace at Assisi, noting that it would take place 25 years after the initial inter-religious event organized by Pope John Paul II in 1986.
On Monday, October 24, the Pontiff recalled his predecessor once again as he met with members of the John Paul II Foundation. He praised the group for its efforts to preserve and publicize the work of the late Pontiff, and encouraged the task of helping with “the formation of the clergy and the laity, especially those from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.”
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Further information:
- Angelus: Blessed John Paul II and Pilgrimage to Assisi (VIS)
- Members of John Paul II Foundation Received by Pope (VIS)
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