Saint John Paul II on Authentic Human Freedom

Pope St. John Paul endured two brutal totalitarian regimes during his life: Nazi Germany and Soviet communism. He resisted the first and actively worked to undermine the second, both successfully. His tireless defense of human dignity, religious freedom and a culture of life animated his efforts as a scholar, pastor and Supreme Pontiff of God's Universal Church. His words remain true today.

Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.

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When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society.

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The historical experience of socialist countries has sadly demonstrated that collectivism does not do away with alienation but rather increases it, adding to it a lack of basic necessities and economic inefficiency.

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Pervading nationalism imposes its dominion on man today in many different forms and with an aggressiveness that spares no one. The challenge that is already with us is the temptation to accept as true freedom what in reality is only a new form of slavery.

— St. John Paul II

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Prayer for St. John Paul II's Intercession

O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having graced the Church with Saint John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of Your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to Shine through him. Grant us, by his intercession that we open our hearts to God. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.