John Paul II

October 18, 2003

John Paul II has had a strong influence on me

Bishop William K. Weigand greets Pope John Paul II during his “ad limina” visit to the Vatican in October 1998, having traveled to Rome with the other bishops of California.

By Bishop William K. Weigand

The 25th anniversary of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II causes me to reflect on the Holy Father’s role in my life.

After only two years as pope, it was John Paul II who appointed me to be bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 1980. In late 1993 he appointed me bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. My entire 23 years as bishop have been lived out under Pope John Paul II’s leadership. He has had a strong influence on me and I have a great admiration for him.

I met Pope John Paul II for the first time in Anchorage, Alaska, in February of 1981. As I had been a bishop for only a few months, he gave me a warm and fatherly embrace. With a big smile, he called me a “baby bishop.”

At five year intervals, I have had “ad limina” visits with the Holy Father in Rome: in 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998. (The next visit will take place in May 2004.) I have also been with the Holy Father during his pastoral visits in San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Baltimore and Manila.

At each visit, I have been impressed by how gracious and engaging the pope always is. He manifests real interest in the diocese and asks excellent questions. The pope has been encouraging and affirming of me in my role as bishop, taking seriously the words of Jesus to Peter (Lk 22:32): “You must strengthen your brothers.”

My fondest memories of Pope John Paul II have been of the more casual moments, especially at table with him. He eats with gusto, tells jokes, laughs, pokes fun, converses on both serious and light topics. One time at table in Phoenix, the pope instigated the singing of the World War I song, “It’s a long, long way to Tipperary...,” and he joined in heartily.

We have been greatly blessed in the church with the 25-year ministry of Pope John Paul II as the Vicar of Christ and successor to Peter. We needed his strong guidance, his call to holiness and fidelity, and his plea to evangelize.

Pope John Paul II has called us to a fuller, more authentic implementation of the Second Vatican Council. He has stressed social justice concerns and peace making. He has emphasized the dignity of all human persons, and showed a priority concern for the poor and the vulnerable. He has modeled for us the importance of ecumenical and interreligious efforts. Most importantly, he has inspired and encouraged the youth of the world.

The Holy Father has proven to be not only a strong and capable leader for the church, but also a world leader. Without a doubt, John Paul II is the moral leader of the world and the most prominent voice for world peace. He had a decisive role in the fall of communism. Indeed, his influence has been felt on the world scene in countless ways.

One day, I believe, the church will be calling Pope John Paul II “John Paul the Great.”