March 27, 2012.
(Romereports.com) For 18 years, Archbishop Piero Marini served as master of ceremonies for John Paul II. It was a job that meant being with the pope through celebrations of Mass and following him on his travels around the world.
“When John Paul II would travel he was a very calm pope, I never saw him agitated or angry.” Said Msgr. Piero Marini.
Perhaps one of the Pope's most memorable trips was when he visited the island of Cuba. There with him was Piero Marini, who says it was an historic visit, despite political differences.
Msgr. Piero Marini
Master of Ceremonies for John Paul II
“Putting
aside the problems that existed, it was certainly an historic journey.
We went through all the cities of Cuba. There were some difficulties,
such as a bishop who spoke against the government. It was mostly to vent
some frustrations, but it wasn't the right time. But overall, the trip
helped the Church.”
Marini says he remembers the trip perfectly, especially the meeting between John Paul II and President Fidel Castro.
Msgr. Piero Marini
Master of Ceremonies for John Paul II
“I
have to say that in Cuba, where he was received with great courtesy by
the authorities, including their leader. Everyone in the entourage
recognized and still remembers that Fidel Castro was a true 'caballero'
as they say in Spanish, or a gentleman.”
Marini will not be present for
Benedict XVI's trip to Cuba from March 26-28. He says that with this
trip he would like to see the “Cuban authorities realize the Church can
offer help if they respect and promote the ideals they have in common
such as justice and helping the poor”.
BR/AE
FF
-
-MGZ
|
