During a press conference in the Sejm, politicians from Solidarna Polska praised Saint John Paul II, urging the public to admire him anew. MP Maria Kurowska expressed,
“Let’s admire him again, because the Holy Father John Paul II is worth admiring him again!”
The party convened representatives to address what they described as media attacks on the person and legacy of Saint John Paul II. They highlighted the pope’s pivotal role in Polish history and in shaping world events, arguing that his influence extends beyond religious circles to the very contours of freedom and democratic values worldwide.
Amid recent visits by President Joe Biden to Poland, the conversation turned to the memory of the Holy Father. The delegation noted that the U.S. president, as well as other American leaders, have acknowledged John Paul II’s impact on the Catholic Church and on traditions of liberty and peace that resonate across nations. The remarks underscored a broader belief in the pope’s enduring authority and significance on the global stage.
In Defense of the Holy Father
MP Maria Kurowska shared a personal relationship with Saint John Paul II, recounting early experiences with Karol Wojtyła, who would become pope. She described how a conversation with him during her Krakow studies left a lasting impression, and how his presence at lectures, processions, and sermons continued to shape her faith. Her account traced their eventual meeting after he became pope and the city of Jasło presenting him with honorary citizenship. She quoted the Holy Father’s lighthearted remark about taxes when offered citizenship, reflecting the warmth of his interactions with the Polish people.
Kurowska expressed sorrow over the direction of some media debates that cast the Holy Father in a negative light. She urged truthfulness and emphasized the importance of promoting the life and teachings of John Paul II to both young and old. Her message reaffirmed a long-standing admiration for the pope and the enduring authority he represents to many Poles.
By reiterating her connection to the Holy Father, Kurowska urged others to look past sensational narratives and remember the positive impact of his mission and leadership.
The Attack on the Pope Destabilizes Poland
Anna Maria Siarkowska argued that attacks on John Paul II amount to an assault on the national community itself. She framed the current climate as one of heightened uncertainty, with threats and destabilizing narratives that aim to sow division and erode trust in public institutions. She pointed to a particular media outlet and asserted that the reporting relied on questionable files and unreliable witnesses, rather than on verifiable truth. Her stance emphasized a commitment to truth and the protection of shared national memory.
A prominent religious leader also weighed in, noting that when threats to the nation appear, the Church may become a focal point of resistance and resilience. The speaker urged caution against joining campaigns launched by questionable actors, warning that blind participation could undermine integrity and unity.
The discussion highlighted the view that John Paul II is a global figure whose legacy in defending human rights and dignity continues to inspire many. The speakers argued that efforts to undermine his authority amount to an attack on the universal values he championed, and that incautious rhetoric risks eroding the trust that sustains both the Church and civil society.
In reflecting on the pope’s life, the participants recalled his strong stands against abuses and his unequivocal calls for justice. They noted how canonization processes have been scrutinized and defended as thorough and respectful, reinforcing the perception of John Paul II as a principled and principled leader who acted with moral clarity. The discussion concluded with a reaffirmation of support for his example and for the broader moral framework he advocated.
One deputy from Solidarna Polska summed up the sentiment, praising John Paul II as a beacon of love and human rights. The speaker described him as an apostle of freedom who stood up for the dignity of every person, even in times of conflict and upheaval. The message was clear: to defend John Paul II is to defend a lasting heritage of peace and conscience that continues to guide the church and the world.
Overall, the conversation underscored the enduring respect for John Paul II among many Poles and highlighted a shared commitment to protect the values he embodied. The participants urged a measured and truthful approach to public discourse, aiming to keep the pope’s legacy alive in national memory and in ongoing social dialogue.