Archbishop's tribute to John Paul II

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday thanked Pope John Paul II for his continuous services to the Church, despite his failing health.

Mgr Mercieca said the Pope's commitment to continue serving God and man is admired not only by Catholics, but by whoever sees in the Pope a special model of love, dedication and generosity.

The archbishop said when he started his ministry as the Vicar of Christ the Pope had told people not to be afraid, and in the 26 years that he has held his office, he has given proof of this.

"The Pope finds his courage against fear primarily in the Bible," Mgr Mercieca said.

In his message for the Pope's 26th anniversary read during Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral yesterday, Mgr Mercieca said there was an occasion when the Pope asked: "What should we be afraid of?" He had answered that we should not be afraid of the truth about ourselves.

Mgr Mercieca said the Bible says that when he recognised the truth, Peter threw himself at Christ's feet telling him to keep away from him because he was a sinner.

"Peter was not the only one to recognise this truth; every person did. But Christ tells us what he had told Peter, not to be afraid," he said.

The Archbishop said Christ tells this to everyone because he knows what there is in our heart, and also reminds us that God is a father who loves, forgives, is merciful and compassionate.

"The Pope also teaches us not to be afraid of the truth because this frees people," he said.

The Pope's character was built in Poland among tragic and glorious happenings. The experience that his homeland went through was a symbol of the human situation in the 20th century - the fight for freedom. Mgr Mercieca said the Pope's life, especially during his 26-year pontificate - show that in the aspiration for freedom truth comes out strongly.

"The Pope shows us that man is only free if he builds his life on truth," he said.

The Archbishop said the Pope has worked restlessly against the moral confusion that was born and grew in the world. This moral confusion tells man that he can live without reference to binding moral truth.

Mgr Mercieca said in these 26 years Pope John Paul II has stressed the importance of truth, dignity, the rightful dispersion of the world's wealth, the need for justice, solidarity and true peace.

"The Pope's message is always the message of courage and truth," he said.