Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha quotes from Pope John Paul II

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Christianity itself is at stake. Therefore it is essential that you never mention you're training to anyone. You must go about your daily lives as if nothing has changed. At the same time, you must take advantage of every available moment to study and to pray. Being a priest means serving God. But it also means serving Poland. This is the highest form of resistance, to give hope to those who have none. And with God's good grace. We shall succeed.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Karol, to be a good leader you must first learn to follow.

Karol Wojtyła

[giving a confession, tearfully] Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Tell me, my son.

Karol Wojtyła

I - I no longer know... what to do, how to feel, how to respond. I feel... I have such anger in my heart, Father...

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Anger is not a sin, to feel outrage in the face of evil is only normal. The more important question is, how do you express it?

Karol Wojtyła

I've begun to wonder, if I should take up arms.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

You're the alter boy, from Wadowice.

Karol Wojtyła

Yes. Karol Wojtyła, excellency.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

I remember. You wanted to be an actor.

Karol Wojtyła

Yes, excellency.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

And now?

Karol Wojtyła

And now a great evil has occupied our country. They treat us like animals, they murder Jews, they... [noticing a German soldier. Quietly] They shoot children.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Do not fear the men who can kill your body. Fear him who can destroy your soul. This is what our Lord tells us.

Karol Wojtyła

[short pause] I don't know what to think anymore.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Wisdom is a grace we must seek from God.

Karol Wojtyła

How can we fight them?

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Violence only leads to more violence. If you must choose a weapon, choose the one they fear the most.

Karol Wojtyła

Our faith?

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Yes, our faith, and our intelligence. [points to Karol's forehead] Our fine minds.

Karol Wojtyła

[smiles] Yes. Yes. Thank you, excellency. [kisses Sapieha's hand and walks away]

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Wojtyła? [Karol turns] Caution.

Karol Wojtyła

Thank you, Holy Father. For allowing me to be present.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

[dying] The time has come.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Karol. Trust God. He has a plan for you. In you, he has placed a gift. Honour it.

Karol Wojtyła

I will do whatever God asks.

Adam Stefan Cardinal Sapieha

Dear God, protect him.