The psalms, passages drawn from Karol Wojtyła's reflections, and songs of forgiveness and reconciliation, performed in different languages, have become a shared appeal for peace. The Our Father in Swahili resonated in particular.

The evening of October 22 at Rome's Auditorium della Conciliazione was dedicated to Pope St. John Paul II, who traveled the world as a pilgrim of peace, as the variety of languages evoked a community that transcends national and cultural boundaries.

The music and the words of biblical prayer created a memorable atmosphere where artistic beauty intertwined with a profound spiritual experience.

Encountering John Paul II again

“We came here to encounter him again, to relive what he left us,” said Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, former secretary to St. John Paul II.

On behalf of the Administrative Council of the Vatican John Paul II Foundation, he expressed gratitude for the “spiritual feast” that brought the anniversary celebrations to a close.

He stressed that those gathered were united by the figure of St. John Paul II, whose presence can still be experienced by learning and living the teaching he left behind. He also pointed to faith and culture as bonds that can bring people together, no matter where they live.

“He united us by proclaiming the principle of peace. Faced with the threats of today, we need to return to it,” Cardinal Dziwisz said.

Peace needs prayer

Cardinal Dziwisz recalled that conflicts and tragedies around the world marked John Paul II’s pontificate. The Polish Pope repeatedly called for unity and the protection of the values that bind the community of nations.

He also recalled the historic meeting of religious leaders in Assisi, initiated by John Paul II forty years ago.

Cardinal Dziwisz encouraged participants to allow the anniversary celebrations to strengthen their commitment to unity and peace, above all through prayer.

“It was from prayer that he drew the strength for his ministry of bringing together the nations he visited as a pilgrim of peace,” he said.

That evening in Rome, the Pope’s appeal was echoed in the words of the psalms. In many languages, the same hope was heard: that people may live together in peace.

Gratitude for an encounter between faith and culture

“This concert fulfills John Paul II’s desire that dialogue between faith and culture should continue without interruption,” said Msgr. Paweł Ptasznik, President of the Vatican John Paul II Foundation, at the close of the evening.

Thanking those gathered, Msgr. Ptasznik stressed that the concert was a tribute to John Paul II, particularly to his commitment to peace.

Guests from Poland and Polish communities abroad filled the Auditorium della Conciliazione, along with participants in the Foundation’s anniversary celebrations.

They were joined by members of the diplomatic corps, Maria Montserrat Alvarado, appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, and Andrea Monda, Director of L’Osservatore Romano.