The legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II (1920–2005) shines brightly through his profound love for the Holy Rosary, a devotion he called a “great treasure” for the faithful.
As its modern advocate, he urged the Church to rediscover this prayer that beautifully unites our relationship with Jesus Christ, the love of Mary, the depth of Scripture, and the communion of the Church.
Recognizing the Rosary’s enduring power for the Third Millennium, he gifted the Church with his Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002)—a heartfelt invitation to renew our love for this prayer.
During this Month of the Holy Rosary, we are reminded to heed his appeal: to see the Rosary not as a routine, but as a sincere expression of discipleship and a spiritual gift especially vital for families.
So devoted was this saintly pope that he enriched the tradition by introducing the Luminous Mysteries, five new moments from the public life of Christ. Through them, he invited us to contemplate the light of Christ more fully, guided by the gentle hand of Mary, so that we may follow Him ever more closely.
Early in his pontificate, Pope John Paul II declared the Rosary his favorite prayer. He urged the faithful to pray it often—boldly and without fear—even in public. His timeless words continue to echo in the hearts of believers: