Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Freetown (Fides Service) - From Sierra Leone, where he received the news of the passing of John Paul II, the director of Holy Childhood Pontifical Mission Society in Germany Kindermissionswerk/Die Sternsinger, Mgr Winfried Pilz, sent Fides the following statement in which he renders tribute to Pope Wojtyla: “His suffering was a witness for countless people, but his extraordinary life and presence in the world today were even more of a witness. Our title “Pontifical” means that our missionary work in favour of children has its main offices in the Vatican in Rome. But at this moment this name is filled with humanity and sympathy. We have so many photographs of Pope John Paul with children, as he picked them up, embraced them and blessed them. This, like Jesus, was part of his programme. I am happy I had the opportunity to see the Pope still in a surprisingly good condition on New Year’s Day this year when I took 40 Stern singer children to the papal mass. When on his way out after the Mass he was driven past us he recognised us (the children were dressed as the Three Kings with the Star) and it was clear that he would have liked to stop and spend a little time with the children. How often he showed his love and concern for children! And this is how we will remember him. And he will be close to us and he will give us the courage to work in favour of the future generations, the children of the world”. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 6/04/2005 - 17 righe, 243 parole)
