Reflecting the Mind of the Vatican since 1850
John Paul II Communicator
Share This Article :
   
Karol Wojtyla was born on May 18, 1920. On the hundredth anniversary of his birth, memories and tributes have rightly multiplied for this great witness of faith, already raised to the honors of the altars. I wish to add a small voice to this great choir by remembering with simplicity and emotion some experiences lived in his service in the Vatican communications field.

John Paul II showed himself to be a great communicator from the very first moment of his pontificate, as soon as he appeared at the Loggia of the Blessings on the evening of October 16, 1978. I recall the famous, spontaneous words on the day of his election – “The cardinals have called a new bishop of Rome from a distant country… If I’m wrong you’ll correct me…” and his remarks during his first outings from the Vatican helped to break down barriers. The speech on the day of the inauguration of his pontificate – “Do not be afraid, open the doors, indeed, open wide the doors to Christ!” – made a deep impression for its expressiveness and the strength of his tone of voice.

As far as relations with the media are concerned, it was above all the first press conference on the plane with journalists on the first international trip (in January 1979, to Mexico) that the new style of this pope emerged and consolidated his positive relationship with the press. Paul VI had also passed among the journalists to greet them on his trips, but there were no questions and answers. Who knows if John Paul II had gone among the journalists precisely to converse with them, or if the interaction began by chance? In any case, while before it had not even come to mind to ask the pope questions, it subsequently became automatic. The personality of the new pope was so naturally inclined to a more direct and spontaneous relationship with the media.
© Union of Catholic Asian News 2022
Click here to Unsubscribe