Ten years after St. John Paul’s death, his example lives on, Pope Francis says

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Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The example St. John Paul II gave the world is still alive and many people continue to be inspired by his faith, passion and joy, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis leads a Mass in front of a picture of St. John Paul II at Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, in this May 2014 photo,( CNS photo/Amel Pain, EPA)
Pope Francis leads a Mass in front of a picture of St. John Paul II at Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, in this May 2014 photo,( CNS photo/Amel Pain, EPA)

Noting that April 2 marked the 10th anniversary of St. John Paul’s death, Pope Francis asked that people pray the Polish saint “intercede for us, for families, for the church so that the light of the Resurrection shines through all of the darkness in our life and fills us with joy and peace.”

Speaking to pilgrims at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square April 1, the pope highlighted the spiritual legacy of his predecessor, whom he canonized together with St. John XXIII in April 2014.

“Dear young people, learn to face life with his passion and enthusiasm; dear people who are sick, carry with joy the cross of suffering like he taught us; and you newly married couples, always put God at the heart (of everything) so that your conjugal relationship may be more loving and happier,” he said.