 
THE APOSTLE PETER, human as he was, was nevertheless given primacy by Jesus over the other Apostles. He holds what we now call the "power of the keys". This is why Catholics hold the Papacy in such great esteem. It is a special way by which the God shares his Fatherhood with humanity; a way by which the Son makes his Voice heard in our time; a way by which the Spirit inspires the world and renews the face of the earth.
|
POPE JOHN PAUL II is the 264th successor to Saint Peter. Karol Wojtyla is a native of Poland and was formerly Archbishop of Cracow. Today as before, he is a ceaseless preacher whose soul is indefatigable -- to the great protest of his body. Elected on 16 October 1978, he turned 82 last May 18, 2002 and is on his 25th year as Pope. Last January, He conveyed his message via satellite to the Fourth World Meeting of Families held in Manila, Philippines.
SIMBAHAYAN also brings you official digests of the Pope's messages taken from his Wednesday audiences. Occasionally, we will relay his words delivered during special events. We are grateful to the Vatican Information Service for making the Holy Father's words available not just to the City of Rome, but to the whole world. These words reveal what is in the mind and heart of the Vicar of Christ. May everyone of good will relish and internalize the words of John Paul II, the Voice of Jesus in our time.
|
|
