Nearly two decades after John Paul II’s passing, his pontificate is increasingly viewed as a historic era. However, his teachings continue to inspire the modern Church. The Vatican John Paul II Foundation established the Premio Giovanni Paolo II to honor this legacy.  

This prize acknowledges those who embody the teachings of the Polish pope and supports individuals and institutions exploring his legacy. The inaugural recipient is the Justice and Peace Center in Kampala, Uganda.  

Michal Klosowski is a member of the Organizing Committee. “The Polish pope’s impact on Africa was great,” he noted. “In 1995, there was Ecclesia in Africa, a very important document after the Synod. Considering this all, I think that was the simplest idea to remember Africa in the way John Paul II has remembered the continent.”  

Father Leonard Olobo is the Director of the Center in Kampala. Receiving the award is a great privilege and an obligation to do even more. Father Olobo commented, “It is an encouragement that, you know, we have been appreciated; after that appreciation, then what? Do we now sleep? No, I think it is a moment that we now have to work hard, do better,  and see which are the … that we need to fill up and who are those that we need to bring on board so that the message goes wider than ourselves. Where possible, everybody should participate in walking for human dignity.”  

The Center promotes the inviolable dignity of every human being, combats human trafficking, cares for street children in Kampala, and works intensively with refugees.  

During the ceremony at the Apostolic Palace, the director of the awarded Center received a special statue made by artist Karolina Koch. The statue features two hands reminiscent of Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel.  

“I tried to convey the spirit of love and steadfastness of faith of that Pope and the message he wanted to leave us: that heaven is connected to earth,” Koch said.  

With this prize, the Vatican Foundation of John Paul II aims to inspire and strengthen the spirit of those who embrace and seek inspiration from John Paul II’s thoughts.  

Adapted by Jacob Stein  

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