Fr. Jozo Meets Pope John Paul II

On January 10, 1993, Pope John Paul II invited all bishops and representatives of other religions to Assisi, Italy, for a joint prayer for peace. Though the prayer was for peace throughout the world, the Holy Father particularly desired to pray for peace in the Balkan states which was described as diabolical even in the secular press. The Bishop of Assisi contacted Fr. Jozo and invited him to come and participate in the event as well. Fr. Jozo said that the Bishop of Assisi and the Cardinal of Milan asked him to:

“Speak under the cross in the St. Damian’s Church; speak about St. Francis to us.”

The Holy Father was present during that prayer. Fr. Jozo recalled meeting John Paul II after the prayer and speaking to him about Medjugorje. Fr. Jozo said:

“As I was speaking about Medjugorje, he was clasping my hands with his mighty hand saying, ‘Guard Medjugorje for me! Guard Medjugorje! We pray for you!’”

Our Lady said in Her January 25 message, shortly after this retreat in Assisi, confirming the gathering of faiths to pray for peace:

These days are the days when you need to decide for God, for peace, and for the good. May every hatred and jealousy disappear from your life and your thoughts, and may there only dwell love for God and for your neighbor”

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