Czeslaw Milosz's letters with the Pope John Paul II

Correspondence of the poets - a Nobel prize laureate and the Pope, also a poet and a spiritual and moral authority.

John Paul II and Czeslaw Milosz Rome 1986

Pope John Paul II's letters with the Czeslaw Milosz

Dear Sir,

I knew Miguel Manara by Oskar Miłosz earlier. This time You gave me a great pleasure by sending me the poetries included in the volume Storage. I have read them as well. There is a special climate in this creation. I may have been intimated to this climate during my visit to Lithuania.

In the same breath, I want to compliment your unexploited creativity, of which bear witness your still new publications.

Alongside my token of respect, I wish you God's blessing.

John Paul II

Czeslaw Milosz's letters with the Pope John Paul II

Dear Holy Father,

Age changes our point of view. When I was young it was considered inappropriate for a poet to ask for papal blessing. And that is what I'm concerned about seriously; as for the last few years I have been writing my poems in order not to deviate from Catholic orthodoxy. Whether my efforts are fruitful, is still a mystery for me.

Therefore, I am asking for a confirmation that our striving has a common goal.

May the Christ's promise be fulfilled on the Judgment Day

Czeslaw Milosz

Pope John Paul II's letters with the Czeslaw Milosz

Dear Sir,

Your letter dated of 2 April CY I read with a great emotion – I rather read it a few times. As in those few lines is contained a rich and manifold content.

You write that the object of Your concern was 'staying near to the Catholic orthodoxy' in Your creation. I am convinced, that such an attitude of a Poet is crucial. In this sense I am happy to affirm Your words about 'pursuing a common goal'.

I wish wholeheartedly, that in all of us, in the life of Yours as well as in mine, will realise this greatest promise given to the whole mankind by Christ through His Resurrection.

I wish You in Your life and creative work, God's blessing.

John Paul II