The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference on John Paul II: No one leaned over the suffering and dignity of every human being with such sensitivity as he did

"What John Paul II would want from us today is the truth that is discovered in in-depth research, not in unreliable media reports," Archbishop Gądecki told Channel 1 of Polish Television.

"I knew our beloved Pope personally and I have no doubt that he was a shepherd with a sensitive conscience, sincerely loving God and attentive to every human being," emphasized the President of the Polish Bishops' Conference. On behalf of the Church in Poland, the Archbishop declared once again to continue to help the wounded, as well as to defend the good name of John Paul II.

"The history of the struggle for truth and freedom, for the renewal of this land and of our consciences is not over. It continues all the time. It is our common, great task," Archbishop Gądecki concluded his address.

Press Office of the Conference of the Polish Bishops' Conference

We publish the full text of the speech:

These days, once again, the Church in Poland wishes to look towards Saint John Paul II with trust and love. We owe him freedom - the freedom of Poland and the freedom of our consciences. He was like a compass in the midst of a history storm.

He always defended life, and for that there were efforts to take his life - both during the assassination attempt and today. He continues to pay the highest price. But in the Cross, there is the power that brings life out of death.

During his lifetime, believers and non-believers listened to him because he loved all Poles equally. Today, taught by his example, we listen to the voice of the wounded in the Church. In the pain of their experiences, these brothers and sisters have every right for the truth about the bishop ministry of John Paul II to be discovered by all of us together. We also owe this truth to future generations.

I knew our beloved Pope personally, and I have no doubt that he was a shepherd with a sensitive conscience, sincerely loving God, and attentive to every human being.

Today, John Paul II would want from us the truth, which can be discovered in in-depth research, not in unreliable media reports.

No one has ever leaned over the suffering and dignity of every human being with such sensitivity as he did - I wish to testify to this. I declare once again, on behalf of the Church in Poland, that we will continue to help the wounded with the same sensitivity. We will also persistently defend the good name of John Paul II.

The history of the struggle for truth and freedom, for the renewal of this land and our consciences, is not over. It continues all the time. It is our shared, grand task.

Translated by Sr. Ewa Dobrzelecka / Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference