The Senate Legislative Committee recommended to the Senate a resolution “on the contribution of Pope John Paul II to the history of Poland, Europe and the world – on the 103rd anniversary of his birth.” PiS senators’ amendments, referring to the resolution defending the Pope’s good name, passed in the Sejm, were rejected.
The Legislative Committee of the Senate on Tuesday considered two draft resolutions – a draft resolution on respect for the work of St. John Paul II and his contribution to the history of Poland, Europe and the world, prepared by PSL senators, as well as a draft resolution on defending of the good name of St. John Paul II, prepared by the PiS club.
Senator Marek Borowski (KO) proposed at the committee meeting to adopt the consolidated text of the resolution, which he presented together with amendments. He argued that the figure of John Paul II should unite and that the Senate should oppose the use of the pope in the current political struggle.
The committee accepted, with opposition from PiS senators. In turn, Senator Jerzy Czerwiński (PiS) argued that Senator Borowski’s version only “consumes” the PSL project, but does not refer to the PiS Senators project.
However, the senators did not agree with the amendments proposed by him and Senator Marek Komorowski (PiS).
The latter suggested changing the title, adding that it was also a resolution in defense of the pope’s good name. He also suggested adding a paragraph in which “the Senate condemns the media campaign based largely on the materials of the PRL’s apparatus of violence”.
In turn, Senator Czerwiński proposed to delete the paragraph in which the senate protests the use of the pope for games before the upcoming elections.
Borowski spoke out against these amendments. He argued that the text is a panegyric to John Paul II anyway, so there is no reason to insert excerpts about the defense of his honour. Moreover, he added, no one is free from criticism, which in no way detracts from the greatness of John Paul II.
Senator Kazimierz Ujazdowski (PSL) also argued that parliament should speak about John Paul II non-reactively, hence “there is no reason to refer to one or the other media material”.
Former Senate Marshal Bogdan Borusewicz (KO) pointed out that the Senate is sovereign in passing resolutions and not, as in the case of laws, it works on what the Sejm will pass.
Komorowski suggested that his amendments be voted on separately and not jointly, but the committee did not agree to that either. In the end, 15 senators voted in favor of the draft consolidated text of the resolution, six opposed it and three abstained.
The proposed resolution, supported by the committees, reads as follows:
Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was elected pope on October 16, 1978. He was the first non-Italian bishop of Rome after 455 years. His election as successor to St. Peter in the Holy See sparked hope for the renewal of Christianity and the liberation of nations. During his pilgrimage to Poland, Pope John Paul II spoke historic words in Warsaw: +Let your spirit descend! Let Your Spirit descend! And he will renew the face of the earth. This land!+ His words and deeds showed and aroused love for the fatherland and actively supported the Polish nation in its efforts to regain freedom and an independent state. The teachings of John Paul II have influenced millions of people around the world. He engaged in a dialogue with representatives of various Christian denominations as well as – what is especially worth emphasizing – Islam and Judaism. He was the first pope in history to enter a mosque and synagogue. The pope favored the integration of European nations, he stressed that the old continent should breathe with both lungs – east and west, and after the fall of the iron curtain, he pointed out that there will be no unity of the continent until there is is a communion of spirit+. Speaking to the Polish Parliament, he said: +Poland’s integration into the European Union has been supported by the Holy See from the very beginning. John Paul II is a great authority for millions of people in Poland and around the world. He bore a testimony of faith, goodness, and patriotism. The Senate of the Republic of Poland expresses its respect for the work of John Paul II and his contribution to the history of Poland, Europe and the world. At the same time, the Senate of the Republic of Poland considers it its duty to remind future generations that John Paul II was a tireless advocate of human rights and a defender of the poor in every corner of the world. He showed particular sensitivity to working people’s rights and social justice. He was a spokesman for social dialogue, overcoming divisions and building the unity of the state community. During Queen Jadwiga’s canonization, John Paul II stressed that “a Polish act must unite, not divide”. Acting in the spirit of this latest call, the Senate of the Republic of Poland strongly opposes the use of the figure of the Pope for political games ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Such behavior denigrates John Paul II’s dignity and ignores his achievements and teachings. The Senate of the Republic of Poland expresses its gratitude to Pope John Paul II for the regained freedom and independence of our homeland and for the awakening of a sense of dignity among the nations of the world.
Decision of PiS senators
Senator Marek Komorowski told PAP after the committee meeting that PiS senators would likely propose amendments to the resolution in plenary, though the final decision would be made at the club’s Wednesday meeting.
This committee draft is by no means an exhaustion of the issues that underpinned the draft resolution tabled by PiS senators
said Komorowski.
He pointed out that a consensus has been reached in the Sejm between PiS and PSL and a resolution has been passed.
Here the majority of the senate did not speak to us, only the preconceived version was passed
he noticed.
He said the resolution should include a “basic paragraph” about the Senate’s protest against the media campaign against the pope using the former RvC’s materials.
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mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce