The development of the pilgrimage of Benedict XVI to Poland came as a big surprise to the Pope himself - KAI was told by Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Press Office of the Holy See. »»
When Benedict XVI began his journey to Poland we referred to him as "our Pope" on account of the community of faith. Four days later we can refer to him as "our Pope" on the strength of an emotional bond that has developed – said Archbishop Józef Życiński. In his opinion the words of Benedict XVI addressed to Poles are a conspicuous continuation and translation into present-day reality of the teaching of John Paul II. »»
"Polish youth have transferred their love to John Paul II onto Pope Benedict," believes Fr. Jan Góra, a legendary Dominican and chaplain of young people, present at the meeting of the Pope with young people in the Cracow Błonia Common. "This is a marvellous historic dialogue," he added. »»
Bishop Pieronek: Gospel truths cannot be treated selectively and in a way which best suits us – this is the main message of Benedict XVI’s homily. »»
Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki: The Pope’s message from Piłsudski Square in Warsaw touched on the very foundations of the faith. Benedict XVI spoke about faith which cannot be reconciled with the relativism of various truths, KAI was told by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, Deputy Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Poland, who commented on the Pontiff’s homily delivered in Warsaw on May 26. »»
Warsaw received the Pope well, said Msgr. Paweł Ptasznik, head of the Polish Section of the Secretariat of the State of the Holy See. In his opinion, the visit proceeds according to expectations, and the words of Benedict XVI touch upon vital problems of immediate concern for the Poles. Fr. Ptasznik is accompanying the Holy Father in the pilgrimage to Poland as a member of the papal entourage. »»
Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski: Let us finally try to learn something, to listen to the Pope who will touch on important questions related to our present and future. »»
The pilgrimage will no doubt be a major event for Poles and the entire Polish Church. It is significant that the Pope sets out on his first foreign pilgrimage to Poland of all places. »»
We will welcome our Pope Benedict XVI with great joy and love. During his short stay will we for sure create a truly familial atmosphere. »»
Benedict XVI’s visit should be a personal experience. I still vividly remember one of the most powerful incentives I heard prior to John Paul II’s second trip to Poland. My then parish priest urged everyone to go to confession and Communion since then we were welcoming the Pope as the true Holy Father. Those who did not do this would only welcome him as the head of the Vatican State. »»
