"Something completely new is being born..." – said Cardinal Wojtyła at the shrine in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. He wanted to say that a new Poland was emerging and that the nation had finally got rid of fear, and that new generations, already immunized by Marxist promises to create paradise on earth, now turn to Jesus, to the Church.
It was June 1978. After a few weeks, Paul VI died. And, thirty-three days after the election, on September 29th, died unexpectedly the new pope, John Paul I. Wojtyła, like other Cardinals, returned to Rome.
During the trip, it was clear that he was experiencing some anxiety. This time he was more closed in on himself, more thoughtful, sunk in deep prayer. It was known that a number of votes were cast in his name during the previous conclave. So, the situation – perhaps it created the fear – could now happen again and it is more likely. But, he was not saying anything. Of course, I didn't ask him anything, too.
With the permission of Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz – "At the side of the Saint"
St. Stanislaw BM Publishing House, Krakow 2013
