The whole of Poland is anxious and calling for the
canonization of John Paul II and “it would be wonderful if it took
place in the Year of Faith, so by November.” These are the words of the Archbishop of Cracow, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Karol Wojtyla’s historic personal secretary who denied speaking to Pope Francis about the Polish Pope’s elevation to sainthood but did not hide his hope that the rite would be celebrated soon, “possibly in October, 35 years after his election to the Throne of Peter.”
The cardinal, who spent 27 years by John Paul II’s side, was explicit in expressing this wish.
He said he was “happy Francis will be celebrating it,” because Jorge Mario Bergoglio “will do the same as John Paul II did: he will demolish walls, and open the doors of the Church to everyone, bringing the world closer to the Church.”
What is it about Francis that reminds you of John Paul II?
“I am pleased with our choice in the Conclave for many reasons. Firstly because Bergoglio speaks the language of poverty; the content of his speeches is fresh and the Church needs this charisma. I am also pleased because of his similarities with Karol Wojtyla: I would like to stress that it was John Paul II who appointed Bergoglio Archbishop in 1992 and Cardinal in 2001. I am certain that history will give them one thing in common: they will both have opened the doors of the Church to everybody, bringing it closer to people’s concrete everyday life; they will both have built bridges, even with distant and hostile “worlds”.
Francis’ way of communicating is similar to Wojtyla’s: this was evident even in the first few days of his pontificate: he respects protocol but loves to speak off-the-cuff, using direct and clear language. This makes him even more likeable.”
Anything else about Francis that reminds you of Wojtyla?
“Wojtyla fought against the extremist aspects of communism and Bergoglio fought against the distortions of “Liberation Theology”: both found Marxism was not the solution to social problems. Then there are their first announcements to cardinal electors following their respective elections: Bergoglio said: “May God forgive you for what you have done,” Wojtyla said: “for what you got up to”. The meaning and irony of both statements were the same.
Was your statement on Wojtyla not coming down from the cross a comparison with Benedict XVI’s resignation?
“I am still hurt by this controversy; it torments me every day, because that’s not what I said. I did not draw a link or even worse, contrast Benedict XVI’s resignation with John Paul II’s behaviour. I love Joseph Ratzinger immensely.”
You voted for Francis quickly. What does this mean?
“It means the College of Cardinals worked seriously, in a mature, responsible and unified manner. It also means the Lord guided the Conclave.”
Did the poisonous climate that had settled in the Church over the past few years affect the Conclave?
“No. Putting cardinals into neat categories: Curia members and reformers, or into the older categories of conservatives and progressivists, serves no purpose whatsoever. Some changes are indeed needed in the Curia and the Pope’s name, which represents the Church’s “reformer”, St. Francis is a good omen. But the media has exaggerated certain points. Cardinals are good and experienced people.”
But can you confirm that there were tensions in the General Congregations that preceded the Conclave?
“There were differences in opinion: we are all mature and intelligent individuals and each of us has our own thoughts: discussing and debating these helps us move forward. It would be a big problem if we didn’t compare ideas.”
This seemed like a good time (35 years after the last one) for another Italian Pope, Cardinal Angelo Scola. Why was he not elected in your opinion?
“Bergoglio is of Italian origin. Will that answer suffice?”
Would you permit me to say no?
“Not everyone needs to become Pope in order to serve the Church. And, in any case, I don’t think the Pope’s nationality is an issue. The College of Cardinals is full of excellent figures. You know who I think has a very bright future ahead of them?”
Who?
“The Filippino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. He is a special and very likeable character with his “child-like” face; he cheers everyone up.”
Let’s return to the Pope: what did you think when you heard he had chosen the name Francis?
“His choice sums up the focal points of this pontificate: poverty, simplicity and humility. And he put all three into practice immediately.”
Have you said anything in particular to Francis?
“I renewed the invitation I already extended to Benedict XVI, to organise a World Youth Day in Cracow – and obviously come and visit us – of the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland, in 2016.”