April 30, 2011. (Romereports.com) One of the major contributors to John Paul II's pontificate was Cardinal Julian Herranz. An expert in Canon law, he worked by the pope's side for the last eleven years of his life. Over that time, he grew very close to the pontiff.
Card. Julian Herranz
President Emeritus, Pont. Council for the Interpretation of Liturgical Texts
“A lot of people talk about the charisma of John Paul II. The charisma of John Paul II is the charisma of Christ and those who have somehow incarnated Christ, such as the saints, they attract. He had the ability to pull people in, a series of undeniable human qualities.”
John Paul II is known as the record breaking pope. He visited 129 countries and traveled over 700,000 miles. But Cardinal Herranz says he broke many more important records.
Card. Julian Herranz
President Emeritus, Pont. Council for the Interpretation of Liturgical Texts
“The most important record they never talk about is that he was the pope to spend more time before the Sacrament, talking about the concerns, joys and tragedies of the world and the Church. Because of this intimacy he had with Christ, he always spoke of love for Christ in the streets and stadiums of half the world.”
Beatification is a public acknowledgment by the Church of the holy life of Pope John Paul II. But Cardinal Herranz says for him this pope has already been canonized.
Card. Julian Herranz
President Emeritus, Pont. Council for the Interpretation of Liturgical Texts
“In my heart, he has been canonized. This happened to me with people that I lived with and afterward the Church has made saints. It helped me when he was alive, when he was physically among us, and now he is with us even more, but now only spiritually. I commend him for this, and I put it in his hands to intercede.”
The devotion to Pope John Paul II began among his countrymen of Poland and immediately spread among the faithful throughout the world.
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