St. Pope John Paul II passed away 20 years ago this April 2. Serving him between 1989 and 2005, first as his bodyguard and then as an adviser to the Holy See, was such a privilege. It was such a grace to know the Holy Father and be near him, that I feel duty-bound to share my experiences with others.
Papa Wojtyla was a great leader—a global leader—and not solely for Catholics. For 27 years in every part of the world, cultures and religions had to take into account John Paul II, a great man who devoted his life to citizenship, brotherhood, and unity between peoples without distinction because of their beliefs.
He was a man who trod this earth with human feet in the eternal passing of time in order to help humanity in her slow labor. He was a leader who placed the church in the heart of history.
During his pontificate, we had an extraordinary example of human…
