On Thursday, the Senate adopted a resolution honoring Pope John Paul II and recognizing his impact on Poland, Europe, and the world on the 103rd anniversary of his birth. The Senate of the Republic of Poland expresses its deep respect for John Paul II and his influence on Polish history, European affairs, and global history.
In a vote, 93 senators backed the resolution, with one voting against and one abstaining. Earlier, two amendments proposed by PiS were rejected, a move also supported by the Senate Legislative Committee the day before. One rejected amendment would have changed the title from the official description of respect for John Paul II and his role in history to a formulation defending the good name of St. John Paul II. A second amendment sought to alter the substance of the resolution to align with PiS’s initial draft.
Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was elected pope on October 16, 1978, becoming the first non‑Italian pope in 455 years. His election as successor to St. Peter in the Holy See sparked expectations of Christian renewal and the liberation of nations, as the adopted resolution notes.
The text of the resolution also quotes John Paul II during his 1979 pilgrimage to Warsaw, where he spoke with fervor about renewing the land through spiritual renewal and national pride.
Let Your Spirit descend, Let Your Spirit descend. The Pope’s words and deeds are presented as a source of inspiration for love of the homeland and for advancing Poland’s pursuit of freedom and a sovereign state, according to the resolution.
The teachings of John Paul II are described as having guided millions of people worldwide. He engaged in dialogue with leaders from various Christian denominations and, notably, with representatives of Islam and Judaism. He became the first pope to visit a mosque and a synagogue, and he advocated for European integration, urging the continent to breathe with both lungs, east and west. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, he emphasized that unity on the continent would not materialize without a shared spiritual foundation. In Poland’s parliamentary discourse, he supported Poland’s integration into the European Union from the outset, echoing the Holy See’s early backing.
The Senate reiterates its respect for John Paul II and his contribution to Poland, Europe, and global history, as reflected in the resolution.
At the same time, the Senate emphasizes its duty to remind future generations that John Paul II stood as a tireless advocate for human rights and a defender of the poor around the world. He showed particular concern for the rights of workers and for social justice, urging social dialogue, bridging divides, and fostering national unity. During the canonization of Queen Jadwiga, he stressed that a Polish act should unite rather than divide.
In line with that message, the Senate opposes any attempt to use John Paul II’s figure for political maneuvering before the upcoming parliamentary elections. Such behavior would demean his dignity and undercut his achievements and teachings. The Senate expresses gratitude for the role he played in Poland’s regained freedom and in awakening a sense of dignity among peoples worldwide, as stated in the resolution.
The document closes with a note of reflection on the legacy of John Paul II, recognizing the lasting importance of his message for the Polish nation and for the wider world. The resolution stands as a formal tribute to a pope whose life and work left a lasting imprint on faith, human rights, and international dialogue. The content of the resolution is presented as an official record of the Senate’s position and its reverence for John Paul II’s enduring legacy. This summary is drawn from the Senate resolution’s official text and its public discussions surrounding the anniversary observance.
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READ ALSO: Some voices argue against defending John Paul II while still commemorating his birthday, while others point to the PiS senators who submitted the resolution. These discussions are part of the broader national conversation on legacy and memory.
Source: wPolityce