How to unite divided Poland? Two tips from John Paul II’s fourth pilgrimage to his homeland Cover Image

Jak skleić podzieloną Polskę? Dwie wskazówki czwartej pielgrzymki Jana Pawła II do Ojczyzny
How to unite divided Poland? Two tips from John Paul II’s fourth pilgrimage to his homeland

Author(s): Jarosław Kupczak
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego
Keywords: John Paul II’s fourth pilgrimage to Poland; John Paul II; social divisions; Poland; cultural war; freedom

Summary/Abstract: During his fourth pilgrimage to his homeland, John Paul II, in the face of deep divisions that in the Polish society taught about the need for a deeper understanding of freedom. Freedom gives man the ability to make decisions. The future is not subject to simple determinisms, these are the free human responsible choices that guide it. In his in-depth reflection on human freedom, John Paul II also pointed to the need to understand properly the freedom of speech. Speech can be used in many ways, including to slander and divide. Free speech, which is intended only to win a discussion, has little to do with freedom. Therefore, it is necessary to make an effort for speech to become an instrument of truth, not hate. Despite critical reception at first of the Holy Father’s first pilgrimage to free Poland, today – after more than 30 years that have passed since then – it is possible to understand its message better. The necessity of the ethical foundations of human freedom and work on free speech are still valid guidelines that the Pope gives to the Polish nation, also in the face of the present divisions affecting the Homeland.

  • Issue Year: 2022
  • Issue No: 29
  • Page Range: 131-143
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish