Every October 22nd, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint John Paul II, the pilgrim Pope. He traveled the world bringing the Gospel to all corners of the earth: 104 trips, 129 countries, millions of miles. And his final journey took him to France. He returned to Lourdes—a place that held a special piece of his heart, the shrine of the Virgin Mary, to whom he had entrusted his entire life: Totus Tuus, “Totally Yours.” Lourdes, in August 2004, was his final destination. Months later, he would depart for the Father’s house. There, with his strength fading, he gave the world his greatest lesson. He preached not with a speech, but with his frailty. The world saw him pray with all his heart, in tears, unafraid to show his weakness before cameras from across the globe. This giant sustained the Church and the world until his dying breath. Saint John Paul II, pray for us.
— EWTN News (@EWTNews) October 22, 2026
The feast of St. John Paul II is celebrated on October 22 because it marks the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978. On October 22, 1978, he celebrated the Mass inaugurating his ministry as Pope, delivering his famous appeal to the world: “Be not afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!” He was elected Pope on October 16, 1978, but the Church chose October 22 as his liturgical memorial to commemorate the beginning of his papal ministry. St. John Paul II was canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. 🙏 October 22 is therefore a day to remember his extraordinary pontificate and his call to the world to open its heart to Christ.
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) October 21, 2026
Today (Oct. 22) Catholics celebrate Saint John Paul II, Pope, a fearless apostle of hope, champion of human dignity, and shepherd whose historic pontificate revitalized the Church across the globe. Echoing his iconic invitation to "Open wide the doors to Christ," John Paul II traveled to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel and inspire millions of young hearts. Entrusting his entire life and ministry to Our Lady under the motto Totus Tuus, he bore witness to the transformative power of Divine Mercy, showing the modern world that faith in Christ overcomes every fear. Saint John Paul II, pray for us!
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) October 22, 2026
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