Saint John Paul II, pope

Index
List of Prayers to the Saints 

The saintly life and words of St. John Paul II open for us a open for us a deeper understanding of God and our role as his children to act now as  instruments for his peace. 
                                          
Peace will not come as the result of our own efforts; it is not something that the world can give.  It is a gift from the Lord, and to receive it we have to prepare our hearts.  When conflicts arise, peace can only come through a process of reconciliation, and it requires both humility and generosity.  Rome 11/2001

How greatly today's world needs God's mercy!  In every continent, from the depth of human suffering, a cry for mercy seems to rise up.  Mercy is needed to ensure that every injustice in the world will come to an end in the splendor of truth.  World Youth Day, Buenos Aires, 04/1987

Concern for those most in need springs from a decision to love the poor in a special manner.  In loving the poor, we imitate the attitude of the Lord, who during his earthly life devoted himself with special compassion to all those in spiritual and material need.  Post-Synod Exortation Rome 1999

Listen to Jesus, obey his commandments, commit yourself to him.  This is the only formula for a truly successful and happy life.  Jesus is also the one source that gives the deepest meaning to life.  World Youth Day Rome 1998
                                                                                                                       
Be faithful witnesses to Christ, as difficult as this may be.  World Youth Day Rome 08/2000

Although I have lived through much darkness, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in our hearts.  Do not let that hope die!  Stake your life on it! World Youth Day Toronto 07/2002 

Your mission in today's world is to faithfully safeguard certain important values: total religious freedom; the respect for human life at every state; the importance of family; the appreciation of cultural diversity.  World Youth Day Czestochova 08/0991

Jesus teaches us to see the Father's hand in the beauty of the lilies of the field, the birds of the air, the starry night, fields ripe for harvest, the faces of children and the needs of the poor and humble.  If you look at the world with a pure heart, you too will see the face of God.  World Youth Day Denver 08/1993
                                                                                                                         
Love your families.  Teach them the dignity of life; teach them the ways of harmony and peace; teach them the value of faith and prayer and goodness!  Help transform the world around you by giving the best of yourselves in service of others and your country.  Jordan 03/2000

My reasoned conviction, confirmed in turn by biblical revelation, is that the shattered order cannot be fully restored except by a response that combines justice with forgiveness.  The pillars of true peace are justice and forgiving love.  World Day of Peace Rome 01/2002                                                                                                                   

Forgiveness is above all a choice, a decision of the heart to go against the natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.  It has its perfect exemplar in the forgiveness of Christ, who on the cross prayed: "Father forgive them; for they know not what they are doing."

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Index
List of Prayers to the Saints