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Vatican City,
3rd June 2005 (CNA)
- Pope Benedict XVI appointed today
Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, adjunct prefect of
the Pontifical Household and former Pope John Paul
II's personal Secretary, as the new Archbishop of
Krakow, the second largest diocese in Poland.
"Don Stanislao," as he was known in Rome’s
circles, was born in Raba Wyzna, Poland, in 1939.
From 1966 to 1978 he acted as private secretary to
Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Krakow and, following
the latter's election as Pope John Paul II,
continued to act as his private secretary
throughout his pontificate from 1978 to 2005.
He was ordained a bishop by John Paul II in
1998 and elevated to the dignity of archbishop in
2003.
He succeeds Cardinal Franciszek Macharski,
whose resignation was accepted by the Vatican 3
years after it was submitted.
In 1981, when John Paul was shot by Turkish
gunman Mehmet Ali Agca, Dziwisz held him in his
arms as he was rushed from St. Peter's Square to
hospital. Many believe his cold blood saved the
Pope's life. He has since published a book about
the assassination attempt.
Archbishop Dziwisz was Pope John Paul's
closest confidant and his influence increased
greatly as the pontiff's health diminished.
Nevertheless, he moved into a modest Polish
religious house in Northern Rome following John
Paul's death in April.
Yesterday, Archbishop Dziwisz celebrated
mass at John Paul's tomb in the crypts beneath St.
Peter's Basilica.
"I accept the decision with apprehension,
indeed trepidation, aware of the great
responsibility for the spiritual heritage of the
archdiocese until now run by such illustrious
pastors," Dziwisz told ANSA news agency.
Since the archbishop of Krakow is usually a
cardinal, Pope Benedict promote Dziwisz at the
next consistory.
“I have been waiting for this moment for
years,” said Cardinal Macharski after the
appointment was officially announced. “I have
never felt so mach gratitude to God like today,”
he added.
Archbishop Dziwisz’ installation will take
place on August 27 at the Cathedral of the Wawel
Castle. |
