S.E.R. Piero Marini

Piero Marini served as Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations under three popes: Paul VI., John Paul II. and Benedict XVI. Since 2007, he has been the President of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses. Archbishop Marini accompanied Pope John Paul II on 76 of his journeys. The Archbishop had to make all journeys twice, as papal trips are always preceded by a preparatory visit. In 1987, Archbishop Marini was alongside the Polish Pope in the O’Higgins Park of Santiago de Chile when armoured vehicles drove into the crowd of people listening to the Pope’s message about reconciliation and peace during the mass. The tear gas reached even the Holy Father. At the end of the ceremony the Pope cried out in a resounding voice: „Love is stronger!”