The Evangelical Pope is a space for living words: the enduring wisdom of Saint Pope John Paul II, brought to the present moment, twice each week, by Abraham A. van Kempen.
Born Karol Józef Wojtyła, Saint Pope John Paul II became the most beloved pope in history. He was a man for all seasons, revered on every continent: a pastor of billions, a theologian and philosopher, a poet and world statesman. Perhaps the Statesman of the 20th Century. He proclaimed a universal faith in the One engraved on the face of all humanity.
His words were spoken into specific moments: to young people in the streets of Kraków, to presidents and peacemakers, to the United Nations, to the forgotten and the powerful alike. They addressed war and peace, freedom and dignity, mercy and justice, the human heart and its deepest longings.
They were not meant to remain in those moments.
They are living words. And they speak now.
In a world screeching with noise, amid sensory overload and clashing encounters, we offer something different. Solitude. Serenity. Clarity, depth, and faith. Not another voice demanding your attention, but one voice, ancient and present at once, inviting you to be still.
Every passage is drawn directly from the writings, homilies, and addresses of John Paul II, sourced with care, linked to the original Vatican text, and brought forward by Abraham A. van Kempen, who has curated The Evangelical Pope for readers every week since December 2019. Each post pairs a scripture verse and an image with John Paul II’s own words, and a brief note from Abraham on why this passage, on this day.
These living words arrive on Sundays and Thursdays. They are free, offered to readers everywhere, without barrier. That will not change. For those who wish to support this work, a supporter option is available. Every word remains free regardless.
Our Mission
To communicate enduring truths with sincerity and depth, and to contribute, however modestly, to a world that values understanding over division, and meaning over noise.
Why This Matters
We believe meaningful change begins with understanding: ourselves, the other, and one another.
Through living words, shared across generations and across the world, we hope to advance that understanding.
A Shared Journey
This is not merely a publication but a space that grows alongside its readers, those who seek depth, truth, and a more intentional way to engage with the world.
If, over time, these living words resonate with you, you are welcome to continue on this journey.
