Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On the occasion of St. John Paul II’s 1984 visit to Fairbanks, Alaska, at the start of a trip to Far East nations, President Ronald Reagan highlighted the pontiff’s work to ensure “rights and dignity of the individual and for peace among nations,” and committed the United States to that cause.

“In a violent world, your Holiness, you have been a minister of peace and love. Your words, your prayers, your example have made you — for those who suffer oppression or the violence of war — a source of solace, inspiration, and hope,” Reagan said. “For this historic ministry the American people are grateful to you, and we wish you every encouragement in your journeys for peace and understanding in the world.”

The pope acknowledged Reagan was just returning from his own — as Reagan described — “mission of peace” in China, thanked the president for his kind welcome and reaffirmed their friendship. He otherwise didn’t speak much about Reagan but echoed the sentiment about the importance of justice and peace, saying that the diversity of Fairbanks “provides the context in which each person, each family, each ethnic group is challenged to live in harmony and concord.”

The harmony in the remarks encapsulates the relationship they shared. It was a relationship that began with a meeting in 1982 and proved significant as it restored diplomatic ties between the United States and the Vatican in 1984 and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

On Aug. 31, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute opened a new exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California on “The Pope and The President,” which shares “the story of President Reagan and St. John Paul II’s collaboration, friendship and legacies” featuring many items throughout their relationship.

The exhibit, supported by organizations including Knights of Columbus features eight overview panels dedicated to different chapters of St. John Paul’s life beginning with his childhood. The panels also highlight when he joined priesthood and his first meeting with Reagan.

Additional objects include:

— Documents preceding four meetings between Reagan and St. John Paul.

— Clothing items worn by Nancy Reagan when meeting with Pope; souvenirs from 1984 meeting in Alaska including medals from pontiff; several gifts from St. John Paul to Reagans.

— A pair Louis XIV-style armchairs used by Reagan & Pope.

— A certificate granting St. John Paul’s papal blessing to Reagan & family; Bible gifted by pontiff.

— Collage original signatures both Reagan & St. John Paul.

— The 1998 Cadillac DeVille Paraded Phaeton “Popemobile,” custom-built for pope.

— Ciborium used during St. John Paul’s 1987 visit Los Angeles.

St. John Paul & Reagan met four times: first at Vatican June 7 1982; second Fairbanks May 2 1984; third Vatican June 6 1987; last Miami Sept.10 1987.

As is case most meetings pontiffs have with world leaders held private not recorded specifics conversations relatively unknown mutual desire peace end communism well documented.

Friendship between St.John Paul II &Reagan “is most consequential any between sitting U.S.president pope,” Daniel Philpott professor political science University Notre Dame said email Tablet newspaper Diocese Brooklyn New York.

“It was kinship two souls who shared same moral vision.Unlike people surrounded them…each believed communism Eastern Bloc could come end—not sustained conflict resolution methods not defeated through war rather transformed peacefully,” Philpott told Tablet.

“Together dueled Eastern Bloc dictators through power human dignity human rights spirit God also remained open negotiation insisted peaceful change.” he said.“These friends admired respected greatly.”

After exhibit closes Oct27 bronze bust St.John Paul gifted Friends John Paul II Foundation sculpted American sculptor Gordon Kray permanently display at Library.

Melissa Giller chief marketing officer institute said Aug27 statement exhibit highlights "significant ways" two leaders' paths "converged profound impact modern history."

“The diplomacy between President Reagan &St.John Paul II contributed downfall communism freedom modern world enjoys today important remember celebrate lasting impact," Giller added.