General Audience of 21 August 2002
- Pope John Paul II
- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
- Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City
- 2002-08-21 AD
John Paul II recalls his eighth pilgrimage to Poland, centred on Kraków but embracing the whole nation, and thanks its civil authorities, Church leaders, and faithful for their welcome. The journey proclaims God as “rich in mercy” and culminates in the consecration of the Shrine of Divine Mercy at Łagiewniki, associated with Saint Faustina Kowalska. The Pope recommends the prayer “Jesus, I trust in you” and calls the Church to make mercy visible through concrete charity, solidarity with the suffering, and a “civilization of love,” as illustrated by four new beatifications. Remembering the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska shrine and Mary’s compassionate presence beneath the Cross, he entrusts Poland and the world to her intercession for unity and peace while urging social progress rooted in Christian identity.
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