Wojtyla’s personal notes are published in a book

John Paul II asked his personal secretary, Stanislaw Dziwisz, to burn the notes after his death but Dziwisz did just the opposite because “they were of historical importance”

Shortly after the Polish Pope’s funeral, we asked the future Archbishop of Cracow why he did not fulfil the late Pope’s wish. His response was that the notes were of historical importance.

Now Cracow has announced the publication on 5 February, of a book entitled “I am in God’s hands. Personal notes 1962-2003”. Polish publishing house Znak, says the book contains “the most important personal, innermost questions and moving reflections and prayers that marked [the Pope’s] everyday life.” This includes “notes that show his concern for those dear to him - friends and collaborators – and for the Church that was entrusted to him.”

Cardinal Dziwisz said: “I didn’t burn John Paul II’s notes because they are the key to interpreting his spirituality, his innermost self: his relationships with God, others and himself.”