Yesterday …yesterday morning, I went to the Sistine to vote quietly. I would never have imagined what was going to happen... As soon as the danger began for me, the two colleagues, who were close to me, whispered me words of encouragement. One told me: 'Courage! If the Lord gives a weight, He also gives help to carry it' and the other colleague: 'Don’t be afraid, there are many people throughout the world who are praying for the new Pope'. When the moment arrived, I have accepted.
Later it was the name, because they also ask what name oneself wants to choose, and I had thought a little about it. I have made this reasoning: Pope John himself wanted to consecrate me with his hands here, in St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, although unworthily, in Venice, I have succeeded him in St. Mark’s See, in that Venice that is still full of Pope John. He is remembered by gondolieri, by Nuns, by everybody. But Pope Paul, not only has made me Cardinal, but some months before, on the footbridge of St. Mark’s Square, made me turn fully red before twenty thousand people, because he took out the stole and put it on my shoulders. I have never turned so red! On the other hand, in fifteen years of pontificate, this Pope has demonstrated, not only to me, but to everybody, how it is possible to love, to serve and to work and to suffer for the Church of Christ. For these reasons, I said: 'I will be called John Paul'.
I do not have neither the sapíentia cordis of Pope John, nor the preparation and the culture of Pope Paul, but I am in their place. I must try to serve the Church. I hope you will help me with your prayers.
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I have never turned so red! On the other hand, in fifteen years of pontificate, this Pope has demonstrated, not only to me, but to everybody, how it is possible to love, to serve and to work and to suffer for the Church of Christ. For these reasons, I said: 'I will be called John Paul'.