Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the current Almsman of Pope Francis and previously the Ceremonial of John Paul II, said of the Pope’s suffering in the documentary “The Mystery of John Paul II”: “I remember, it was 2000. Canonization of Father Pio. On St. Peter’s Square, as the Holy Father was moving in wheelchair, he rose on the backrests, he could not find a comfortable position. At one point, I lean over and say: Holy Father, could I help in some way? And, the Pope says: You can no longer help me. Everything hurts me. That is how it has to be.”
John Paul II did not hide his weaknesses. He wanted to be with people. And, for that I admired him. Sometimes he would say in the morning, “I have a strong headache”, “I slept a little,” and before the meal: “I’m very tired.” Short sentences, just passing on information. He was not feeling sorry for himself. Then, he carried out the plan of the day. He was not cancelling meetings from his schedule. He was not cancelling trips outside the Vatican to visit a parish. He was not giving up.
Secretary of two Popes – conversation with Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki.
Wydawnictwo Literackie Publishing House
