Pope John Paul II: Champion of Vatican II

Theme of the congress organized in Rome by the Pontifical San Bonaventura-Seraphicum Faculty of Theology for the 30th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II.
"The Second Vatican Council and the Pontificate of John Paul II" is the theme of the international congress organized in Rome by the Pontifical St. Bonaventura-Seraphicum Faculty of Theology for the 30th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II.

Journalist Elisabetta Lo lacono, one of the organizers of the event, explains how John Paul II contributed in this great ecclesial event that Benedict XVI emphasized during the Synod of Bishops.

"John Paul II participated in the council first as bishop and then as Archbishop of Krakow; he contributed greatly to the council during the elaboration period and especially by upholding the guidelines and spirit of the council for the 26 years of his pontificate."

Professor Zdzislaw Kijas, rector of this Pontifical Faculty, underlines the relevance of Vatican II to the present day.

"To show that the council themes are neither abstract nor issues only for the council era, but that they are important issues for any time, because they are the issues that have the strength to sanctify those who welcome them and live them in the strength of the Holy Spirit that was convoked by the council fathers."

Simultaneously occurring with this congress, the centre for documentation on John Paul II displayed a photographic exhibition on Karol Wojtyla during Vatican II.