Benedict XVI: 'It was clear John Paul II was a saint'

Pope John Paul II. Photo: wikipedia

The former pope's reflections come less than two months before the canonisation of the late Polish pontiff, marking the final stage in his path to sainthood.

“The reality that John Paul II was a saint became increasingly clear to me in the years that I worked with him,” the retired pontiff stated in a written interview published in Italian paper Corriere della Sella.

“John Paul II did not ask for applause, and he never looked troubled when he was taking decisions.

“He acted in accordance with his faith and his beliefs, and he was also willing to endure blows against him,” he added.

“I could not and should not have imitated him, but I did try and continue his legacy and endeavours as best as I could.”

Pope John Paul II will be canonised in the Vatican on 27 April.

The interview with the retired pontiff will be published among others in a book of reflections on Pope John Paul II by Polish journalist Wlodzimierz Redzioch, who writes for the Vatican's official newspaper L' Osservatore Romano.

Benedict XVI, who will be 88 next month, stepped down from the papacy in February 2013, being the first pontiff to do so since 1294. He cited his deteriorating health, noting that God had told him that abdication was the right choice. (nh)