St. John Paul II was an "extraordinary gift" to the Church: Pope Francis

He continued: “Each and every one of you, dear young people, bears the imprint of your family, with its joys and sorrows. Love and care for the family is a characteristic trait of John Paul II. His teaching is a sure reference point for finding concrete solutions to the difficulties and challenges facing families today.”

Pope Francis said that John Paul II’s early years proved that family problems need not be an obstacle to holiness and happiness. By the time he was 20, the future pope had lost his mother, brother and father, and experienced Nazi atrocities. Later, as a priest and a bishop, he faced oppressive atheistic communism.

“The difficulties, even harsh ones, are a test of maturity and faith; a test that can only be overcome by relying on the power of Christ who has died and is risen,” the pope said.

“John Paul II reminded the whole Church of this from his first encyclical, Redemptor hominis, where he says: ‘The man who wishes to understand himself thoroughly ... must with his unrest, uncertainty and even his weakness and sinfulness, with his life and death, draw near to Christ. He must, so to speak, enter into him with all his own self.’”

Pope Francis concluded: “Dear young people, this is what I wish for each of you: to enter into Christ with your whole life. And I hope that the celebrations of the centenary of the birth of St. John Paul II will inspire in you the desire to walk courageously with Jesus.”

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