Polish Catholic leaders reacted to the announcement of John Paul II’s beatification with enthusiasm and gratitude, praising the late Pope’s example to Poland and to the Church. The Archbishop of New York also reacted with “great joy” as he recalled memories of the Pope’s visits.

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz opened a photography exhibition “John Paul II. The right of heart” on December 3^rd in Verona. Church representatives as well as representatives from the city and Verona municipality attended this opening ceremony.  The exhibition will accompany various cultural events that will promote ethical values in sport disciplines .  John Paul II is an example of a perfect unification of responsibility and joy of life.  The exhibition could be seen in Palazzo dei Mutiliati in Verona until the end of January 2011.  Photographs relate to many biographical and pontifical plots, leaving an overall impression that human heart right rest in love to God, to neighbor, and to the life itself.  Annotations that complement each photography are presented in English, Polish and Italian.

"The important mission of the Church" in pastoral healthcare finds inspiration in the teaching of Blessed John Paul II, but especially in his testimony of the "slow Calvary, which marked his last years”, with a "vision of pain and suffering illuminated by the death and resurrection of Christ”, said Pope Benedict XVI Saturday as he greeted participants at the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Healthcare's plenary assembly.

Visitors to the Senator John Heinz History Center's (Pittsburgh, PA) international exhibition, "Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art," can place their hand in a cast of Pope John Paul II's hand. They will also see a large bronze bust and portraits of John Paul II alongside his signed handwritten poems and golden chalices.