NUOVE PROSPETTIVE DI MARIOLOGIA NEL MAGISTERO DI GIOVANNI PAOLO II
NEW PERSPECTIVES OF MARIOLOGY IN THE TEACHING OF JOHN PAUL II

Summary/Abstract: The writings of John Paul II contain an enormous number of Marian texts, which are very interesting from doctrinal, pastoral and spiritual points of view. The specific character of Pope John Paul II’s mariology consists in an organic and profound connection with the Marian doctrine of the Second Vatican Council, and the continuation of the process of theological reflection in the direction traced by Chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium. This reflection is done in connection with other theological areas: Christology, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, Trinitarian doctrine. The broad context of his Mariological research leads to new and interesting results and allows him to develop Mariology no longer as a separate treatise, but as an organic part of theological discourse, while preserving its own identity. The Marian Teaching of Pope John Paul II is marked by an ecumenical dimension. Hence, his Mariology is more biblical and expressed in a way acceptable by both Orthodox and Protestants. Another characteristic is its pastoral character, oriented toward contemporary man. Being aware of various pitfalls and problems, he presents Mary as a model and as a real support and help. Among other original aspects is the idea of Mary’s pilgrimage of faith, which is the fruit of Karol Wojtyla’s reflection on faith according to St. John of the Cross. Another original aspect lies in the influence of the Treatise by St. Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort invigorated by a new and improved reinterpretation of the act of entrustment to Our Lady. Personal Marian spirituality led Pope John Paul II to develop a theology of the Marian shrine, highlighting the question of Mary’s spiritual presence. New and original themes and ideas, relating to ecclesiology and spiritual motherhood, are based on two key biblical texts Jn 19:25–27 and Acts 1:12–14. Thanks to the Marian teaching of Pope John Paul II, Mariology —a treatise which, according to the Pope Paul VI, fell in deep crisis in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council— appears to have overcome all difficulties and currently is developing very well.

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