Centenary Commemoration Events for John Paul II Across Poland and Beyond
Across many Polish cities, gratitude for the pontificate of John Paul II marks the eighteenth anniversary of his death. Communities gather for prayer vigils, debates, concerts, and artistic performances that echo the pope’s teachings and legacy.
John Paul II passed away 18 years ago, on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, Sunday, April 2, 2005, at 9:37 p.m. in the Vatican. He was 84 years old.
In memory of the pope, thanksgiving prayers and nocturnal vigils will fill the streets of numerous Polish towns this anniversary year.
Papal concert in Wadowice
At the market square, the gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. with a shared moment of prayer. Half an hour later, the music rises as an artistic program titled “No one can replace you – memory of St. John Paul II on the anniversary of his death” unfurls.
Małgorzata Targosz-Storch from the Wadowice city hall describes the event as a tribute to the pope’s enduring memory. Attendees will hear traditional and devotional songs associated with the pope, including “Black Madonna” and “Abba, Father.” Notable performers include Janusz Radek, Edyta Górniak, Mateusz Ziółko, Alicja Węgorzewska, Olga Szomańska, Halina Mlynkova, Magda Anioł, Łukasz Zagrobelny, and the group known as Janosik’s Little Army. The concert will be broadcast on Poland’s public broadcaster TVP1. The commemorative day closes with a Solemn Mass at 8:00 p.m. in the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Officials from the highest levels of government are expected to attend, including the President of the Sejm, Elżbieta Witek, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Jarosław Kaczyński, head of the ruling party.
Marches through Poland
A national papal march will traverse several cities, organized by Barbara Konarska of the Institute for Solidarity and Courage, with support from Catholic Action, Rosary Without Borders, scouts, Solidarity, the Gazeta Polska clubs, and the Center for Life and Family.
In Warsaw, the march departs from the Romana Dmowski roundabout at 11:00 a.m., following a route along Marszałkowska and Królewska to Piłsudski Square and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Świętojańska, where a holy mass is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
In Kraków, marchers replicate the route of the 1981 White March following the assassination attempt on John Paul II. The procession begins at 1:30 p.m. from Mickiewicza and Karmelicka streets, proceeds to Szewska and into the main square, and includes passages of John Paul II’s homily played over loudspeakers along the way. A rosary is prayed, and at 3:00 p.m. a solemn holy mass is held at Mariakerk.
In Lublin, NSZZ Solidarność leads a gratitude walk that ends with a holy mass in the university church of the KUL. The route runs through Filaretów, Głęboka, Sowińskiego, Radziszewskiego, and Łopaciński streets toward the Academic Church of the Catholic University of Lublin, with a Holy Mass at 3:30 p.m. Organizers emphasize expressing gratitude for the pope’s life and teachings and invite participants to bring palms, flags, and papal pennants.
A prayer evening begins at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Catholic University of Lublin. The program features a rosary for the unity of Poles, reflections on John Paul II’s words, and the Jasna Góra call. At 9:37 p.m., the exact moment of the pope’s death, a memorial candle is lit, according to Monika Stojowska, deputy spokesperson for the university.
In Opole, the march commences at noon with an Eucharistic celebration in the Franciscan church, followed by a procession to Plac Wolności.
In Szczecin, Holy Mass opens the day at the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at 3 p.m. Afterward, the faithful move from pl. Victories to Jasne Błonia, paying homage to John Paul II by the statue of the pope.
Beyond the national march, many dioceses host local marches of gratitude and prayer vigils in honor of the pontificate and legacy of St. John Paul II.
Archbishop Józef Guzdek of Białystok will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by candle lighting and flowers laid before the pope’s statue.
The day invites reflection on the pope’s evangelization work, his commitment to solidarity, and the pursuit of peace in the world.
In Gdańsk, a Thanksgiving March for St. John Paul II gathers at 3:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church and ends at the Three Crosses monument on Plac Solidarności, as Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda of Gdańsk notes in his message to the faithful. A related reflection emphasizes the pope’s influence on regional church life and youth.
In Wrocław, the afternoon program includes a discussion panel at 7:30 p.m. in the John the Baptist Cathedral, with attendees including Archbishop Józef Kupny and Dr. Paweł Wróblewski. The evening features a Passion Concert, highlighted by Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater.
In Ełk, a contemplative procession honors St. John Paul II with rosaries and readings that echo the pope’s life. The gathering culminates with the singing of Barka, a hymn associated with the pontiff.
St. George’s Museum John Paul II in Warsaw
In Warsaw, visitors may explore the John Paul II and Primate Wyszyński Museum for free on the anniversary. A 4:00 p.m. passion concert, Ave Crux, performed by the Papal Choir of Warsaw in the cathedral, highlights the day. An 8:30 p.m. vigil of poetry and memory, held at All Saints Parish, features actors reading the pope’s passages.
Readers are reminded of institutional and spiritual commitments that shaped Polish society in the years following his leadership, and the day’s events emphasize continuing reflection on his message of faith and service.
The commemoration is part of a broader program that includes marches, vigils, and public devotions across dioceses, inviting people to share personal testimonies of gratitude for the pontificate and the pope’s presence in the church’s life.