Homily for the Inauguration of His Pontificate
The homily preached by Pope John Paul II in St Peter’s Square at the Mass that began his ministry, six days after his election. It contains the appeal not to be afraid and to open doors, and the frontiers of states, to Christ.
The homily starts from Peter’s confession of Christ. In section 3 the pope says that a bishop who is not a Roman, a son of Poland, now succeeds to the see of Peter. In section 4 he explains that, like his predecessor, he will not be crowned with the tiara. Section 5 holds the appeal for which the homily is remembered: do not be afraid, open wide the doors for Christ, and open to his saving power the boundaries of states, economic and political systems and the fields of culture. In section 7 he greets the pilgrims from Poland and the Polish bishops with their primate at their head.
Cited in
- 1978 to 1979, firm date