Pope John Paul II was one of the greatest communicators in the history of The Church. He has left behind a vast wealth of writings, addresses and sermons. On this page we provide links to these. Below is a small selection of quotations indicative of the wide range of issues on which he showed such wisdom.

Some Quotations

"God of our fathers, you chose Abraham and his descendants to bring your name to the nations: We are deeply saddened by the behaviour of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer, and, asking your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the covenant." Written prayer, placed by John Paul II into the "Wailing Wall" while visiting Jerusalem 2000

"Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece." Papal Letter to Artists (1999) "The exploration of both the micro and the macro cosmos, is a song to God’s glory, which is reflected in everything in the universe." Jubilee Address to Men and Women from the World of Learning Rome." May 2000

"Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power ... Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of states, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development." Homily during installation as Pope, Oct. 22, 1978

"A nation that kills its own children has no future." On Poland's debate in 1996 on whether to liberalize abortion legislation
"Never again war. Never again hatred and intolerance." Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. 12 April 1997

"Today, for the first time in history, a Bishop of Rome sets foot on English soil…. This fair land, once a distant outpost of the pagan world, has become, through the preaching of the Gospel, a beloved and gifted portion of Christ’s vineyard." Address at Westminster Cathedral, London, 28 May 82

"Man is called to a fullness of life which far exceeds the dimensions of his earthly existence, because it consists in sharing the very life of God. The loftiness of this supernatural vocation reveals the greatness and the inestimable value of human life even in its temporal phase." Evangelium vitae, 1995

Some of the Holy Father's last words, "I am happy and you should be happy too. Do not weep. Let us pray together with joy." From the papal apartment, 2 April 2005

 

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