THE PRIME MINISTER OF POLAND IN VATICAN
EDITORS
On the 35th anniversary of the assassination on John Paul II, 13 May 2016, the prime minister Beata Szydło paid an official visit in Vatican. She participated in the Holy Mass in the intention of Homeland, celebrated at the grave of St. John Paul II and presided over by cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, the former prefect of the Catholic Education Congregation.
Liturgy of word was prepared by representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office. It was read by Paweł Majewski – a proxy of the government for organizing the World Youth Days, a psalm was sung by Beata Kempa – a chief of the Prime Minister’s Office.
In the homily cardinal Grocholewski referred to the anniversary of the assassination on the Polish Pope. As he noted, St. John Paul II had experienced this event as ‘Divine experience’ but in the light of faith. – He believed that he owed Mary his life saved on 13 May, that is, the anniversary of apparitions in Fatima – the preacher reminded and finished the homily with the words: - Dear St. John Paul II, whom God had called to the Holy See in 1978 so that you could strengthen his brothers’ faith, please, keep doing so at the Father’s Home. After the Holy Mass the prime minister Szydło laid a bouquet of red and white roses at the grave of St. John Paul II and was praying for a long time.
Soon after the Liturgy the prime minister went to the general audience with the pope Francis and to a meeting with the chief of Vatican diplomacy archbishop Paul Gallagher.
The talk with the Holy Father took half an hour. – Experience is unusual also because we could pray at the grave of St. John Paul II. Later there was a talk with the Holy Father Francis. We were talking about Polish families, about Poland. The Pope thanked a lot and was very glad that in Poland there are appearing programs which can support families.
It was a very good talk which is moving for me – says the prime minister Beata Szydło soon after the general audience. – It is another time we have invited the Holy Father to Poland. I confirmed that we were waiting. The only thing we can do is to make efforts so that the visit of the youth from all over the world would be safe. We will do everything so that these days would be unusual and bring excellent fruits to the Polish country – she added.
The prime minister of the Polish government talked to the Holy Father, also about peace and safety in the world, letting in refugees, the conflict in Syria and also the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and in Near East.
Beata Szydło gave the Pope a reprint of the Bible from the year 1599, translated by Fr. Jakub Wujek. She received a memorial medal from the Holy Father, traditionally given to representatives of authorities in particular countries.
Next day, on 14 May, the prime minister Szydło had a meeting with priests working in the Holy See.
AA
„Niedziela” 21/2016