Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation in Rome, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz highlighted the living legacy of St. John Paul II, emphasizing that investment in human development remains the most lasting tribute to the late Pope. Cardinal Dziwisz, who served as the Polish Pontiff’s personal secretary for nearly four decades, presided over an opening Mass at the Church of Santa Maria del Carmelo in Traspontina, located near St. Peter’s Square. In his homily, he recalled John Paul II’s core belief that “those who invest in people and in their integral development never lose,” framing the Foundation’s ongoing work as an invisible yet profound monument built in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Established by Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1981, the non-profit organization continues to fulfill its mission of shaping lives through education and cultural heritage. One of its flagship achievements is a scholarship program that has enabled hundreds of students from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as other global regions, to pursue higher education at the Catholic University of Lublin in Poland. Emphasizing that the vision of St. John Paul II is most fully realized in the lives of these young scholars, Cardinal Dziwisz noted that the Foundation serves a dual purpose: safeguarding the memory of its founder while actively empowering new generations to develop their talents.
Beyond its educational initiatives, the Foundation maintains a major presence in Rome through the John Paul II Polish House, which welcomes international pilgrims and houses the John Paul II Pontificate Documentation and Study Center. This facility archives key historical materials from the Papacy to support academic research and foster dialogue between the Church and modern culture. Expressing deep gratitude, Cardinal Dziwisz acknowledged that the expansion and endurance of these initiatives over the past 45 years have been made possible by the steadfast spiritual and financial generosity of the global Polish diaspora.