Suffering and the Pope

While readers of this paper have been debating the meaning and futility of suffering, the Pope was in a Rome hospital, reportedly not too preoccupied with the state of his health and asking his personal aide "to pray and be at peace".

According to reports, John Paul II is convinced that "the main focus of his Ministry is to continue bearing witness to the supernatural meaning of suffering by allowing the media to continue to scrutinise his health".

According to another close friend of his, the Pope sees this time as the most important of his life, "a time when the gospel of suffering is publicly proclaimed by his own body". For the Pope, it has been reported, "the capacity of suffering is a defining human experience".

It will be recalled that 21 years ago, when John Paul II was in excellent health, he wrote an Apostolic Letter "Sacrifice Suffering", the first ever such document to address the spiritual nature of suffering.

The Pope, like all other human beings, does not enjoy suffering but on the other hand he sees it as "a strong cultural force to those suffering in a world driven by physical appearance, well being and 'usefulness' ". He also wants those who are suffering to see in his own suffering solidarity and respect. The Pope is also keen to show the elderly through his own example that life is still worth living and that they can live with the difficulties old age brings with it "with joy and virtue".

John Paul II wants "to raise the awareness in public opinion that the elderly represent in any case, a resource to be valued. He attacks euthanasia and the neglect of the elderly and the sick, and underlines their important contribution. "Human life is a precious gift to be loved and defended in each of its stages. If growing old with its inevitable consequences is accepted serenely in the light of faith it can become an invaluable opportunity for better comprehending the Mystery of the Cross, which gives full sense to human existence."

These words clearly show that the Pope, even in his condition, still has a message to give to the world characterised by suffering through abuse, hunger, calamities and man's inhumanity to man. Rather than contemplating resigning, as so many in the media were hotly debating and speculating last week, John Paul II confirmed in his Angelus address from the Gemelli Hospital that he "can continue to serve the Church and the whole of humanity".

It is not known whether the Pope had written a resignation letter "in case he was no longer able to govern". Such a letter was indeed prepared by Pope Paul VI but it was only made known in 1988 - ten years after his death. Observers believe that it is not in keeping with the Polish Pope's character to write such a letter - although one never knows.