Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “We could say that the pontificate of John Paul II is enclosed between two expressions. The first was: 'Open the doors to Christ! Do not be afraid,' and it was dynamic, impressive to the public, and were words on his lips often in the years that followed. And the other, 'Let me go to the house of the Father', the Pope pronounced with a weak voice, from his deathbed, at the end of his long and fruitful earthly journey. Many heard the first words; only those closest to him heard the last. Among these was his faithful secretary, Fr. Stanislaw, now Archbishop of Krakow.”
These were the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI after attending the premiere of the film, “Testimony,” held on October 17 at Paul VI Audience Hall. The film was based on the book “A Life with Karol,” written by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow and the Italian journalist Gian Franco Svidercoschi.
“Revealing previously unknown episodes, the film shows the human simplicity, the firm courage and, finally, the suffering of John Paul II, which he faced to the end with his inborn hardiness and the patience of a humble servant of the Gospel... This moving work of cinematography will find its place among the many works done on this Pontiff, who has marked the history of the Church and of the world in the last part of the 20th century and the beginning of the third millennium.” The film allows for a re-living of several moments in the life of Karol Wojtyla and to become more familiar with his homeland of Poland and its cultural and religious traditions, as well as cover important events in the Church and society, and those lesser known. After thanking all those who had contributed to the film's production, the Holy Father exhorted all those present to respond to this invitation of John Paul II to “be not afraid.” “Following his example, we too wish to bear witness to Christ courageously.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2008)
