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Homily of the Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Apostolic
Nuncio in Ukraine
Kyiv, Cathedral of St Alexander, 7 April 2005, 18:00
Esteemed representatives of the Ukrainian
Government and State authorities,
Dear colleagues from the diplomatic corps,
Beloved sisters and brothers in the Lord,
We have gathered for this sacred rite to
pray and offer our last respect to Pope John Paul II, who led the
Catholic Church during almost 27 years.
His Pontificate marked the passage to the
new Millennium and was the third longest in the history of our Church
and from many points of view perhaps the most dynamic. God called
him to the office of 'Bishop of Rome' and 'Universal Pontiff' in
a period of epochal changes in Europe and in the world that demanded
also from the Church new commitments and new answers. History will
judge the real importance of this Man of God, but we can envision
already today that our generation was blessed with leadership of
extraordinary magnitude not only for Catholic believers, but also
for the destiny of the international community and peace in the
world.
For so many years humanity was amazed by
his inexorable capacity to love and to give of himself, by his courage,
by his readiness to suffer for others and by his unshakable faith.
Deeply rooted in the faith, Pope John Paul
II vigorously defended not only the eternal religious and moral
principles but he also dedicated his life to the promotion of social
justice, to the cause of the poor, the weak, oppressed and of those
discriminated against for their personal convictions and beliefs.
He wanted to be the voice of those who did not have a voice and
bring their cause to the attention of those who have the power and
means to change the fate of nations.
We are living in a world that requires from
us a new openness and new readiness to promote a sincere dialogue.
In the person of the Pope, the Catholic Church has shown to possess
full readiness to communicate with contemporary society, with its
joys and also with its anxieties and necessities. In particular,
this Pontificate has opened new ways to inter-religious and also
inter-cultural dialogue that seems to be critical for the future
of mankind.
Pope John Paul II was a providential person
for many nations and in a particular way for Eastern Europe. Since
the very beginning of his Pontificate the Pope has promoted the
vision of Europe as one body, breathing with both lungs: western
and eastern - both being equally important for the health of the
whole organism. He gave his special attention to the Slavic nations
with their specific human and spiritual creativity and the richness
of their religious traditions. If we have a more open and more stable
Europe today it is also thanks to His personal involvement.
Ukraine will also have reason to remember
this Pontiff for his attention and especially for his visit in the
summer of 2001. May His Apostolic Blessings given on many occasions
and his intercession in front of the Risen Lord, ruler of human
hearts and human history, continue to accompany this Nation on its
journey to an always better and more just future.
Today we will all unite in our prayers
for the late Pope and we will accept His teaching for our lives.
In faith we know that our ties with Him
will stay with us, our hope will not be disappointed but reinvigorated,
and the link of love to our Pope will remain unbroken. In our hearts
we will cherish the memory of His generous service to the Church
and to mankind and today we commit ourselves to continue His work
in promoting the "civilization of love".
O, Lord, grant Him eternal rest,
and let perpetual light shine upon him,
with your saints for all eternity,
for You are gracious.
Amen.
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