Every Thursday morning, hundreds of faithful and dozens of priests gather at the tomb of Pope St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Mass. More than 21 years after his death, the memory and legacy of the Polish pope remain very much alive.

This week’s celebration carries particular significance as the John Paul II Vatican Foundation marks the 45th anniversary of its establishment in October 1981. Founded by St. John Paul II himself, the nonprofit organization continues to support students, preserve the pope’s writings and historical legacy, and promote initiatives inspired by his thought and teachings around the world.

“The Holy See currently oversees a number of foundations, but the Vatican Foundation John Paul II stands out for several reasons,” said Father Tomasz Podlewski, director of media and events at the foundation.

“First, it is the oldest of the Vatican foundations still in operation today. Second, it is one of the largest and most active. And finally, it is unique because it was established by the Holy Father himself, Saint John Paul II.”

From its beginnings, the foundation has been an international initiative, bringing together Polish communities from around the world.

“Representatives of Polish communities from 20 countries united around the Holy Father, joining their efforts and financial resources to create the institution,” Podlewski explained.

Supporting students and promoting John Paul II’s thought

When St. John Paul II agreed to establish a foundation bearing his name within the Holy See, he entrusted it with a clear mission. Among its priorities was the care and support of students, reflecting the pope’s conviction that young people play a decisive role in the future of the Church and the world.

Today, the foundation provides scholarships for the John Paul II Studies program at Rome’s Angelicum University. It also supports cultural, academic, and artistic initiatives inspired by the pope’s teachings and legacy.

Another central aspect of its work is preserving the historical record of St. John Paul II’s pontificate through research, documentation, and the safeguarding of tens of thousands of books, documents, and artifacts at its Center for the Study and Documentation of the Pontificate.

Father Michał Grzesiak, director of the Center for Documentation and Research of the Pontificate of John Paul II, highlighted the breadth of its collection.

“The Foundation’s collection includes more than 40,000 volumes and not only in Polish. It contains the works of Saint John Paul II, translations of his books and writings in numerous languages, as well as a wealth of scholarly studies that offer valuable insight into both his pontificate and the life of the contemporary Church,” he said.

As the 50th anniversary of Karol Wojtyła’s election to the papacy approaches in 2028, the center’s work takes on added importance. For Grzesiak, the task is not simply to recall the pope’s Polish roots, but to rediscover the enduring significance of his intellectual and spiritual legacy.

Preserving the pope’s words for future generations

Among the center’s most valuable holdings are copies of the texts of many of St. John Paul II’s homilies, offering insight into the pope’s writing process and the preparation of his teaching.

“We hold photocopies of the texts of most of John Paul II’s homilies. The original handwritten manuscripts are preserved in the Vatican Apostolic Archive, but these copies bear witness to the fact that, until at least the mid-1990s, the Pope personally drafted and edited most of his homilies,” Grzesiak said.

The center is located at the John Paul II Polish House on Via Cassia in Rome. Initially established to welcome the many pilgrims who traveled to Rome to see the pope, the house now also serves as the headquarters of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation.

Father Mateusz Wojcik, director of the John Paul II Polish House in Rome, recalled the building’s origins and its connection to Polish communities worldwide.

“Thanks to the support of Polish communities around the world, this house was purchased from the French Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who had previously used it as their residence,” he explained.

“On November 7, 1981, during a special audience attended by Poles from across the globe, the keys to the building were presented to Pope John Paul II, who received it as the Polish House of John Paul II in Rome.”

A worldwide network carrying the legacy forward

To commemorate the foundation’s 45th anniversary, a plaque bearing the names of its benefactors has been unveiled, honoring those who have helped sustain its mission over the decades.

With the support of hundreds of benefactors across nearly 30 countries and five continents, the foundation continues its work through a global network of nearly 50 Friends’ Circles in 18 countries. Their members contribute not only financial resources, but also their experience, guidance, and prayers.

Four and a half decades after its establishment, the John Paul II Vatican Foundation remains committed to carrying forward the vision of its founder. Through educational, charitable, and cultural initiatives, it seeks to ensure that the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral legacy of St. John Paul II continues to inspire future generations.

Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by: Bénédicte Cedergren; Camera by Alberto Basile; Video Edited by Giada D’Ottavi; Special thanks & Credits to John Paul II Foundation.