Beata Szydło on the attack against John Paul II and Polish unity
The debate over the memory of Saint John Paul II sparked strong reactions from Beata Szydło, a member of the European Parliament from the Law and Justice party. On a program aired by TVP Info, she called the episode unbelievable and painful for many, while noting the pressure some feel to defend a figure closely tied to Polish history.
A colleague from her parliamentary group recalled that the incident shocked people across Europe, given John Paul II’s standing on the continent. Szydło agreed, stressing the seriousness of the moment and the duty to stand firm when values dear to Poland come under pressure.
She drew a distinction between those who attacked the late pope’s memory and the broader political discourse, arguing that the confrontation revealed more about the attackers than about Poland itself. The former prime minister underscored that unity among Poles is essential, regardless of religious affiliation or personal beliefs. Allowing divisions to take root would only serve those who seek to destabilize the country.
Szydło urged the Polish community to come together and deepen its bonds. She expressed hope that the controversy would spark solidarity rather than fracture it, and she called for steadiness in the face of attempts to exploit Polish sensitivities for political ends.
Regarding the target of the attack, she noted that the promoters of the controversy expected the issue to escalate into a heated or sympathetic narrative. Instead, the opposite happened: Poland felt more confident in its collective identity and in its institutions. She stressed that the nation would not permit beliefs or memories central to Polish culture to be treated as bargaining chips in public life.
Her message to Poles was straightforward: Saint John Paul II remains a sacred symbol for the country, a reminder of shared history and communal values. The attack, in her view, was a miscalculation in political moves. Those responsible should learn a lesson, and the effort to sway public opinion around this issue did not yield benefits for any party. The episode stood as a demonstration of Polish resilience and a reminder of what unites the country when faced with divisive rhetoric. — emphasized by Szydło, as reported on TVP Info
Observers noted that the episode tested Poland’s ability to respond with restraint and resolve. The call for unity resonated beyond party lines, inviting all Poles to reaffirm their shared commitment to national memory, communal harmony, and the peaceful celebration of important figures in Polish history. Seen in this light, the situation becomes less about political scoring and more about safeguarding a national narrative that has shaped the country for generations. This perspective aligns with the view that Poland’s public life is strongest when citizens stand together in defense of core values rather than letting controversy erode trust in institutions.
Ultimately, the discussion around Saint John Paul II’s legacy and the surrounding debate was framed as a test of national character. The takeaway for many observers is that unity and respect for shared symbols can guide Poland through tense moments, helping the country grow stronger and more cohesive over time. (Source of statements: TVP Info, reported by wPolityce)