Death of John Paul II: 20th Anniversary

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of John Paul II, who died at the age of 84 after long weeks of conflict with deteriorating health. The Vatican initially explained the Pope's condition as complications from the flu, but later it was revealed that John Paul II suffered from Parkinson's disease, which was constantly exacerbating.

On February 1, 2005, the Pope was transported to Gemella Polyclinic with laryngitis and trachea following a flu infection. He had respiratory distress and fever. A Vatican spokesman, an educated doctor, Joaquin Navarro-Vals then assured that infirmary therapy had begun to produce results. But then the Pope suffered from Parkinson’s illness for years, which continued to escalate. He had increasing problems with speaking and moving.

After a fewer days of John Paul II's stay in the hospital, not only began in the media, but besides among any church hierarchs speculations, or due to the deteriorating wellness condition he could resign. At the time, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, asked whether the Pope was considering this possibility, replied: “Let us leave this to the pope’s conscience.”

On February 10, John Paul II returned to the Vatican, and the passage of his panoramic car from Polikina Gemelli to the Apostolic Palace broadcast tv stations. Italian newspapers then wrote about “the triumphant return.” However, there have besides been reports in the Corriere della Sera that John Paul II actually “flee from the hospital”, contrary to doctor's instructions.

On February 24, the pope, expected at the consistory on the planned canonization, did not appear on it and again went to the Roman clinic. As a reason for the re-hospitalization, the Vatican spokesperson gave a relapse of the flu. Shortly thereafter, information about the "heavy crisis of the airways" appeared. For this reason, an urgent tracheotomy procedure was performed – beginning the anterior wall of the trachea and introducing a peculiar tube into the airway light to let air access.

On 6 March, at the time of the confederate prayer, the Angel of the Lord John Paul II appeared in the window of Poliklini Gemelli. The Pope's text was published, which thanked “for many proofs of love”. "I think, in particular, of the many cardinals, bishops, priests and faithful groups, ambassadors and ecumenical delegations who came to the Gemelli Polyclips these days," he wrote.

On March 13, the Pope spoke to the faithful for the first time and greeted them in a fewer words. In the evening, after 18 days of his stay in the Gemelli Polyclinic, John Paul II returned to the Vatican, and on the way from the infirmary he blessed the faithful with his car.

On 16 March, erstwhile the faithful arrived at St. Peter's Square during the conventional Wednesday general audience, John Paul II appeared for a minute in the window and gave them a blessing. On Palm Sunday, March 20, the Pope appeared again in the window of the Apostolic Palace, but he did not speak.

In the following days, the Pope’s wellness continued to deteriorate. On March 31, the Vatican spokesperson reported that the feeding of the pope had begun with a probe. The next day, however, it turned out that the Pope's wellness was very severe. On April 1, a Vatican spokesperson announced that blood infection and cardiac crisis had occurred.

John Paul II died on April 2 at 21.37. The ceremony took place on 8 April, and the ceremonies were presided over by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. About 2 million people attended the ceremony.

The death of John Paul II was a large failure to the Catholic Church and the full world. The Pope was adored by millions of faithful around the planet for his incredible personality, sensitivity and love for people. His legacy is inactive felt, and his teaching continues to inspire people around the world.

According to data from 2023, John Paul II is 1 of the most celebrated and respected popes in history. His feast is celebrated on 22 October, and his beatification and canonization were highly crucial events in the Catholic Church.

The death of John Paul II was besides an event that united people all over the world. The Pope was a symbol of hope and love, and his heritage continues to inspire people to live in accordance with Christian values.