(Vatican 2015-05-06) The Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on Tuesday attended a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Canonization of Pope St. John XXIII.

The conference focused on the presentation of the book Giovanni XXIII e Paolo VI, i papi del Vaticano II, (‘John XXIII and Paul VI, the Popes of Vatican II’), published by ‘Studium’ of the Foundation Pope John XXIII of Bergamo.

In his address, Cardinal Parolin underlined the importance of collegiality and dialogue for the heritage of the Council for the Catholic Church.

John XXIII and Paul VI’s example ‘gave [to the Council] that interior ecumenical impulse which is inherent to Catholicity, to which St. John XXIII bound an expression in the external sphere, that is, the reunification of many separated Christians, promoting continual research for peace between peoples and social classes’, the Cardinal added.

He also praised the ‘prophetic courage of John XXIII and the humble, yet firm and decisive strength with which Paul VI conducted the great conciliar work, the heritage left to the contemporary Church which is today’s indispensable compass.’