Last Sunday, as a part of the cyclical meetings related to John Paul II in the “Polish” church in Rome we were having as a guest Italian Senator, Jas Gawronski, the first journalist who had a personal interview with the Pope.  That personal interview was the main theme of our evening meeting held under the title – “Conversation with John Paul II about communism”.  Ms. Anna Ostrowska led the meeting.

This is the only, so far, interview with the Pope that related exclusively to politics. Former, book length interview by Vittorio Messorie was John Paul’s II written response to various questions that were previously asked.  Not too long ago, a new book length interview with the Pope “Light of the world” was published in which Peter Seewald talks with Benedict XVI.  Now it seems to be obvious, but it was very interesting to hear from the author himself how the first historical interviews with the Pope were held.

“I have faith in Him, because He has the power to overcome evil in my heart” – we were singing during each Mass.  And not only during Mass – the words of this youth song of hope sunk deep in our hearts; as a good seed fells into fertile soil to produce abundant crop.

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.

On November 20^th, the Holy Father Benedict XVI, during a consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica, gave 24 birettas to the new Cardinals.  Among the Cardinals there was the Archbishop of Warsaw, Kazimierz Nycz.

Currently there are 203 Cardinals in the Catholic Church; 121 of them are eligible to vote in a conclave.  During the ceremony, each Cardinal swore the loyalty and obedience oath to the Holy See after which they received birettas and the Cardinal’s insignia.