Beatification of Pope John Paul II

Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920; 58 years later he became Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II was a very holy person who served as Pope for 26 years. Through this time as Pope, he had threats to his life, and he helped change the church to what it is today, but most importantly he gave the world faith.

Having grown up during some of the world’s most horrible conflicts, he saw true suffering. As Pope, he was a symbol, not only for faith, but for love. He forgave the people who tried to kill him, just like Jesus forgave those who did kill him. In his ministry he not only forgave but asked for forgiveness for the darker times of the Catholic Church; by doing this, he hoped to unite the people of the world and make it a better place.

His death devastated the world in April 2006. Because of his influence on the world, people quickly started associating the word saint with his name. On May 1, 2011 Pope Benedict XVI beatified the late Pope John Paul II in front of 1.5 million people in one of the largest Vatican Masses in history.

When asked about her feelings about the event, religion teacher Mrs. Orozco said, “I think Pope John Paul II being beatified is amazing. He was a great pope who inspired many. I hope in my lifetime I get to see him become a saint. I have no doubts that when he does, he will be one of the greatest saints in the Church.”

Other students have opinions about this subject too.  Senior Marshall DeLoney said that this event was “Awesome!”  Junior Erin Gassner said, “Even though I was in fifth grade when he died, I know from reading about him that he was a great pope, and will be one of the greatest saints of the twenty-first century.”