The Pilgrim's Way: Election To The Papacy

As we prepare for the feast of Saint John Paul II, we invite you to continue on this pilgrimage through our permanent exhibit, A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II. We hope you will walk through each of the nine galleries with us, so that you can get a taste of the spiritual and informational journey that awaits you here at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.

This week we will explore the third gallery, in which pilgrims learn more about John Paul II's election to the papacy.

In this part of the exhibit, visitors are called to ponder St. John Paul II’s words at the beginning of his pontificate. On October 22, 1978, the day we celebrate as his feast, the great saint spoke these words as a part of his inauguration homily:

Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ's power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid. Christ knows “what is in man.” He alone knows it.

As the first non-Italian Pope in more that 450 years, St. John Paul II fearlessly led the Church into the third millennium, literally opening wide the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica for the occasion.

And so before leaving this gallery, pilgrims stand before a full-scale replica of the Holy Door. Each panel of the door portrays biblical scenes of humanity’s alienation from God and the divine offer of redemption through God’s infinite mercy and love revealed in Jesus Christ.

Here pilgrims are called to reflect on how St. John Paul II encouraged the Church to open wide her doors to Christ, and how they as pilgrims can do the same. Ponder this as you continue on pilgrimage with us. 

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!