PAUL VI AND JOHN PAUL I, IMAGE OF THE CHURCH'S JOY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 2003 (VIS) - This afternoon in the Vatican Basilica the Pope presided at a Mass in memory of Popes Paul VI and John Paul I on the 25th anniversary of their deaths. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, celebrated the Mass.

Speaking about Paul VI and John Paul I who died respectively on August 6 and September 28, 1978, the Pope said: "We like to think that they have already entered into 'God's time'; on that 'eighth day' that 'the Lord made', the purpose and fulfillment of our earthly days."

Referring to "Paul VI's frequent invitation to Christian joy," the Holy Father emphasized that "despite many difficulties, it was born of the awareness of adhering constantly to the divine will. I also think about the serene smile of Pope Luciani, who in the brief period of one month conquered the world."

"In both pontificates," he continued, "the peaceful joy of the Church is reflected. Even when she is tried by so much suffering, the Church is not afraid; she does not close herself off but she trusts in the Lord. She knows how to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and therefore she rejoices at the signs of God's mercy, she admires the marvels that the Almighty performs for the little ones, the poor and those who fear Him."

While commenting on the first reading of the Mass, which presents Moses with an outlook of deep interior freedom inspired by faith in God, John Paul II said: "We can find this same attitude in Paul VI and John Paul I, as they did not give in to judgements of the moment or to visions linked to contingent interests. Firmly rooted in the Truth, they did not hesitate to dialogue with all men of good will."

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