Skip to content

John Paul II Award at the Vatican

The Vatican John Paul II Foundation honors the Justice and Peace Center in Kampala, Uganda, with the inaugural John Paul II Award.

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  

Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive content, updates and information from the Vatican

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis: Monks and nuns are ‘the beating heart’ of evangelization

Pope Francis at his general audience in St Peter’s Square on April 26, 2023.

Pope Francis changes law regulating Vatican City court system

Pope Francis revised a law regulating the Vatican’s judicial system on Wednesday, reversing some aspects of the pope’s

Cardinal Fernández says female diaconate will be studied ‘more intensively’

Cardinal Victor Fernández announced that the female diaconate will undergo further study, noting that while Pope Francis deems it not yet "mature," it remains an "open issue."

Pope Francis Emphasizes ‘Ecumenical Vocation’ of All Christians

Pope Francis on Monday emphasized the ecumenical vocation shared by Christians during an audience held at the Vatican with Finnish representatives of various Christian denominations.

Pope Leo XIV speaks with astronomy students about ‘wonder’ of the universe

Pope Leo XIV encouraged young astronomy students at the Vatican this week to “be generous in sharing what you learn and what you experience, as best you can and however you can.”

Pope Francis celebrates Mass, records ‘popecast’ for 10th anniversary

Pope Francis marked his 10th anniversary as pope Monday with a private Mass with cardinals and an appearance

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit