Ruth Fremson/The New York Times
The reliquary containing the blood of Pope John Paul II was placed on a pedestal during the beatification ceremony by Sister Marie Simon Pierre, right, who says she was cured of Parkinson's disease after praying to John Paul II, and Sister Tobiana. Sister Tobiana cared for the late pope.
By RACHEL DONADIO and ELISABETTA POVOLEDO
Published: May 1, 2011
Pool photo by Andrew Medichini
Cardinals kissed the casket of late Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica following his beatification on Sunday.
“He was witness to the tragic age of big ideologies, totalitarian regimes, and from their passing John Paul II embraced the harsh suffering, marked by tension and contradictions, of the transition of the modern age toward a new phase of history, showing constant concern that the human person be its protagonist,” Benedict said, speaking before the largest crowds to swell Saint Peter’s Square since John Paul’s funeral in 2005.
Benedict declared John Paul “blessed,” meaning that he is able to be publicly venerated. He also greeted Sister Marie Simone-Pierre, a French nun who said that she recovered from Parkinson’s disease after praying to John Paul, a cure that Benedict had declared miraculous. An additional miracle is required for canonization.
An estimated 1.5 million people turned out for Sunday’s celebration, Italian authorities said. Many camped out overnight and crammed together shoulder-to-shoulder for blocks to be near the festivities.
During the Mass, a tapestry of John Paul based on a 1989 photograph was unveiled from the balcony of Saint Peter’s. It showed the Polish pontiff with a twinkle in his eye and a slightly wry smile, the John Wayne of the modern papacy, both tough and tender.
Benedict praised John Paul for having carried out the vision of the liberalizing Second Vatican Council. “On a more personal note,” he added, “I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II.” Continued
Benedict declared John Paul “blessed,” meaning that he is able to be publicly venerated. He also greeted Sister Marie Simone-Pierre, a French nun who said that she recovered from Parkinson’s disease after praying to John Paul, a cure that Benedict had declared miraculous. An additional miracle is required for canonization.
An estimated 1.5 million people turned out for Sunday’s celebration, Italian authorities said. Many camped out overnight and crammed together shoulder-to-shoulder for blocks to be near the festivities.
During the Mass, a tapestry of John Paul based on a 1989 photograph was unveiled from the balcony of Saint Peter’s. It showed the Polish pontiff with a twinkle in his eye and a slightly wry smile, the John Wayne of the modern papacy, both tough and tender.
Benedict praised John Paul for having carried out the vision of the liberalizing Second Vatican Council. “On a more personal note,” he added, “I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II.” Continued
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