Delia Fest Begins

On Daryn, on Pipeline, now in print - the Delia Fest has begun with a BANG! For the next 72 hours, CNN will become the Delia Network. I've missed reading her articles - she's not a bad writer at all - and I wish she'd write more often because whether they meant it or not, writers reveal bits and pieces of themselves in their work. Glad to know she's writing again.
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A peek through the Vatican curtains
Personal stories from those closest to the beloved pope
By Delia Gallagher

CNN VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- "At Christmas time, at night, when he couldn't walk anymore we'd bring him to the window to peek at the square below. To see the Nativity scene, and the crowds, without being seen himself."

This image of a pope sneaking a glimpse through the curtains of the papal apartment is one of my favorites. It was told to me by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, as part of our two-hour "CNN Presents" special, "The Last Days of Pope John Paul II."

Dziwisz was the personal secretary and a close friend of Pope John Paul II for nearly 40 years. He told me the story last month, when I interviewed him in Krakow, Poland, in the same office where his friend and mentor once worked as Cardinal of Krakow himself. Dziwisz is a man who in the last days of the pope's life took care of him 24 hours a day.

"My life became his life," Dziwisz told me. "I didn't have a private life. His schedule, his work became my work, my schedule."

When I covered the Vatican, I used to see Dziwisz when I went up to the papal apartments to visit the pope. He was always smiling and welcoming, but he never spoke on the record. It was a first for me to see him opening up about his friend, and to reveal so many personal memories about the last days of the pope.

We also had rare access to the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the place where Pope John Paul II was taken when he was seriously ill. At that time, none of the doctors would speak about the pope or his condition, but we were able to talk with Dr. Rodolfo Prioietti, the head of the pope's medical team. It was fascinating to hear him talk about what it's like to have the pope as a patient.

"During these critical times," he said, "You have to forget that this is the Holy Father. We have to check our emotions ... it's our job."
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I hope you enjoy these personal stories from those who knew and loved Pope John Paul II. (Full Article)
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A pope's last request: 'Read me the bible'
From Delia Gallagher
CNN

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- While tens of thousands crowded St. Peter's Square for the ailing Pope John Paul II this time last year, those closest to the pope gathered around his bedside, bidding farewell to their mentor and leader of the church. They all say he was conscious to the end, and that among his last requests was, "Read me the bible.

"The pope was heartened by the crowds of people praying for him outside and across the world, giving him strength on his final journey: "He knew he wasn't alone. He was going to meet God with this great crowd behind him," said Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the pope's personal secretary and friend of nearly 40 years.

It was Dziwisz (pronounced: G-vich) who called the pope's closest friends on Friday, April 1, telling them to come pay their final respects. Mother Tekla amiglietti, the head of the Brigidine nuns in Rome, had known John Paul II since 79, and was among those notified. It was around 10 a.m. (Full Article)

I seem giddy, it's because I am. But I have a very good excuse - it's like waiting for Christmas and now it's Christmas Eve. Let The Delia Show begin.