"While the Pope’s
forgiveness is beautiful, it’s also a challenge, DePerro continued. “I have
been the victim of violence myself. It was really hard to forgive that person.
It was really hard to feel safe again in my own neighborhood, where I was
attacked.” However, the example and experience of John Paul II was a call to
not be afraid or hardened. “I call John Paul II someone we can turn to in our
prayers for ourselves but also for the other person.”
Because of the difficulty of
forgiveness, St. John Paul II’s actions after the assassination attempt should
not be seen as merely tenderhearted or kind, but a duty and a part of healing,
DePerro counseled. “To forgive is not a sentimental proposition,” he
said. “It is a demand that our Lord places upon us but it’s a demand for
our benefit.
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