Commemorating Pope Saint John Paul II: A Special Mass at the Vatican
On April 2, 2025, a significant event will take place at the Vatican as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, will lead a special Mass commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope Saint John Paul II. This event holds great importance, and Pope Francis has extended his support and blessings to all those participating in the commemorations for the late Polish Pope on that day.
The Holy Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica at 3 p.m. and is open to all without the need for tickets. It will be a solemn occasion to honor the legacy of Pope St. John Paul II and reflect on his profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
Later in the evening, at 9 p.m., a prayer vigil will be held in St. Peter’s Square in both Polish and Italian. The vigil will be led by Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda and Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, who was the long-time private secretary of Pope John Paul II. This prayerful gathering will provide an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, uniting people from different backgrounds in a shared moment of prayer.
Pope Francis, in a letter to Cardinal Dziwisz, expressed his best wishes for a peaceful Jubilee Year and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and Saint John Paul II on all those participating in the celebrations on April 2. His message of hope and blessing adds a spiritual dimension to the commemorative events.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, has also extended an invitation to the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Rome to join in the celebrations. It will be a time of gratitude for the life and pastoral service of Saint John Paul II, emphasizing the enduring impact of his papacy.
As we come together to honor the memory of Pope Saint John Paul II, let us reflect on his teachings, legacy, and the profound influence he had on the Catholic Church and the world. May this special Mass and prayer vigil be a moment of spiritual renewal and inspiration for all who participate.
