Pope Saint John Paul II, who led the Church for more than twenty-six years and taught the world to “be not afraid,” is invoked as a powerful intercessor and a model of holiness, courage, and trust in Divine Mercy. This is the official prayer approved for seeking his intercession.
Prayer for the Intercession of Saint John Paul II
O Holy Trinity, we thank you for having given to the Church Pope John Paul II, and for having made him shine with your fatherly tenderness, the glory of the Cross of Christ, and the splendour of the Spirit of love.
He, trusting completely in your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has pointed out to us holiness as the path to reach eternal communion with you. Grant us, through his intercession, according to your will, the grace that we implore (mention your request), through Christ our Lord. Amen.
About Saint John Paul II
Karol Wojtyła (1920–2005) was born in Poland, lived through Nazi occupation and Communist rule, and was elected Pope in 1978, taking the name John Paul II. Across one of the longest pontificates in history he travelled the world, championed human dignity and Divine Mercy, and helped bring an end to Communism in Eastern Europe. He was canonized in 2014. His feast is October 22.
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Sources: The official prayer for the intercession of Pope John Paul II, published in L’Osservatore Romano (2005). Biographical detail from the Vatican.