Agostino Cardinal Casaroli quotes from Pope John Paul II (2005)

Pope John Paul II

My dear Casaroli. According to the rules, I need a Secretary of State.

Yes you do. And I would be happy to assist in the matter as I had the honour of serving Pope Paul VI.

Pope John Paul II

And that is why I want you to be my Secretary of State.

Oh. Holiness, no, no, no. Those were other times. I would be inadequate. You don't need me.

Pope John Paul II

But I do.

But why?

Pope John Paul II

You are tactful in ten languages, a master diplomat, deeply loyal. And as I have noticed on occasion, you have strongly held opinions that would not necessarily agree with mine. With God's blessing between the two of us, the scales will balance.

Pope John Paul II

Done. [they shake hands]

Be cautious with matters dealing with religious freedom.

Five minutes. I believe the Catholic church cause great importance to the strengthened of peace, to the supplement, and to the liquidation of weapons of mass destruction.

Pope John Paul II

Yes, yes. We are in accord with all of that, of course. But, Mr. Gromyko, let me ask you one thing. Is it possible that the obstacles to religious freedom have not been entirely removed from every area of your country?

From the earliest days, the Soviet state has guaranteed freedom of religious belief.

Pope John Paul II

That is more or less what they thought.

In the next thirty days, you have twenty nine separate speaking engagements.

And you've emphasized how you must finish your first and second one.

Pope John Paul II

Nevertheless. The mission of the church is to implement the precepts of Vatican II.

But I implore, your Holiness. Could we start implementing it somewhere other than Mexico?

Pope John Paul II

Perhaps Poland.

Anywhere but Mexico and Poland.

Pope John Paul II

Mexico is constitutionally anticlerical. For one hundred years priests and nuns have not been allowed to wear their robes and habits in public. Can you imagine? In Mexico, the church does not exist... [accidentally knocks off a piece of cheese from his plate. He goes down to pick it up while his aide tries to get it for him] In Puebla, in January. The Latin American bishop's conference is taking place. We should send someone, don't you think?

Yes, Holiness. But that someone does not have to be you.

Pope John Paul II

But it could be.

Well, may I remind, your Holiness, [the pope puts the piece cheese back onto his plate] that the Holy See does not have relations with Mexico and may I make one other point: We have not been invited.

Pope John Paul II

My dear Casaroli. You're a man of great wisdom and imagination.

Well, I imagine that we could avoid the problem entirely if you went as a private citizen.

Pope John Paul II

Did you see my cheese?

Please excuse us, Holiness. The news is something you will be pleased to hear.

From Warsaw. You're pilgrimage to Poland has been approved.

Pope John Paul II

Your advice?

You're a pope who cannot help his nature. You will tell the truth, and I will support you.

Welcome home, Father Karol. Holiness, your people are in the streets waiting to greet you.

Pope John Paul II

And so, we decided to work together, to do our best to make that dream come true.

And part of that dream is Poland.

Pope John Paul II

I must return.

In these times, Holiness, that can be difficult. Perhaps unwise.

Pope John Paul II

The Communists have imposed Martial law, while less is rested. I must go back to keep the dialogue open! To prevent bloodshed!

We care about your blood! There are unconfirmed reports that the man who shot you, was hired by the Communist party of Bulgaria.

Pope John Paul II

I must speak with Wałęsa.

I will arrange it, Holiness. But it will be unofficial. [smiles]

Pope John Paul II

Thank you very much. [laughs]