– Who was John Paul II’s closest friend?
– He had many of them. Anyone who had come to know the Pope more closely could say so about himself. From Poles I would include Father Tadeusz Styczeń, Cardinal Marian Jaworski, Cardinal Stanislaw Nagy to closest friends. Close friendship can also be said in relation to Cardinal Andrzej Deskur. They knew each other for a very long time. The Holy Father was inviting him to dinner every Sunday. Cardinal Deskur spoke simply, directly. Joked. Once at the table he suddenly stated that he was like the Colosseum!
– Like the Colosseum?
– We were also surprised and looked at each other. After a while, the Cardinal explained: “Just ruins! It’s because of this age! The Pope smiled, and the Cardinal continued: “Unfortunately, as you are as old as I am, you die for the Roman Curia. No one is interested in man anymore!”.
– Did the Pope somehow comment on it?
– No. He knew Cardinal Deskur was joking about himself. However, when Cardinal Jaworski, or Fr. Styczeń, or Cardinal Nagy arrived, a discussion about philosophical and scientific issues began, which are very complicated. But, also about the situation in the Church and in the country. Cardinal Nagy talked a lot about Poland, about political issues. Sharply, bluntly, unambiguously.
– Did the Pope often contact friends also outside of meetings at the Vatican?
– As often as possible. He sent letters to them, sometimes he called. I remember on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1996, during dinner we turned on TVP Polonia. A pastoral service was broadcast from Lvov’s cathedral, which was celebrated by Cardinal Jaworski. We looked at it for a while. Later, the Holy Father says: “Maybe we will call Marian?” I dialed the number for the Pope. He made wishes to the Cardinal. He said we watched it on TV. A small, but beautiful gesture.
Secretary of two Popes – conversation with Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki.
Wydawnictwo Literackie Publishing House
