May 5, 2011. (Romereports.com). In the heart of the Vatican, the exhibit titled "John Paul II. A tribute from Pope Benedict XVI” was officially opened just in time for the beatification. It's a journey through the life of John Paul II.  From his youth up until his death.

Barbara Jatta
Exhibition, "John Paul II. A tribute from Benedict XVI "
"We wanted to show the multifaceted personality of Karol Wojtyla before he was elected pope, and then as John Paul II."

The exhibition is very thorough.  It includes,  for example, this scapular as well as items from his first communion. One can also hear the voice of  Karol Wojtyla.

Barbara Jatta
Exhibition, "John Paul II. A tribute from Benedict XVI "
"In the audio clips, we kept the original language in which the pope spoke. In the period of Krakow, for example, we have him speaking Polish, so that visitors can feel the spirit of Karol Wojtyla just as he was." "Throughout the tour we hear his greetings in all languages to show the worldly pope in all his travels.”

The life of the pope is symbolically represented by a river. A river, that stops on May 13, 1981 with his assassination attempt in Saint Peter's square.

Roberto Pulitani
Exhibition Architect "John Paul II. A tribute  from Benedict XVI"
"The river suddenly stops with the attempt on his life. We represent only a few scenes, that aren't exaggerated. But still it leaves you breathless. After his recovery, the river grows bigger and stronger.”

Among the belongings on display are the clothes he wore when he worked at the chemical factory in Solvay and Poland. We also see the canoe he used in his excursions, his bicycle, his ring and his cardinal's cassock.

The exhibition will remain open to all visitors of the Eternal City until July 24.

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