The feast of St. John Paul II is celebrated on October 22 because it marks the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978. On October 22, 1978, he celebrated the Mass inaugurating his ministry as Pope, delivering his famous appeal to the world: “Be not afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ!” He was elected Pope on October 16, 1978, but the Church chose October 22 as his liturgical memorial to commemorate the beginning of his papal ministry. St. John Paul II was canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. 🙏 October 22 is therefore a day to remember his extraordinary pontificate and his call to the world to open its heart to Christ.