Thought and Pilgrimage: Polish Heritage of St. John Paul II

Abstract

Teaching and pilgrimage are the two most noticeable areas of St. John Paul II’s activities. Both significantly refer to his Polish experiences. In particular, the pope’s reflection is rooted in the subject of dignity of the person and freedom, the limits of which are determined by the dependence on truth understood especially in the moral and religious sense. The pilgrimage characteristic of the pope largely stems from the great tradition of Polish pilgrimage in various times and circumstances. The pilgrimages of John Paul II were especially aimed at awakening the new evangelization, showing the significance and vitality of the Church, and making the pope familiar with the life of the faithful. The visits to Poland carried a message about solidarity and freedom rooted in truth. To a large extent, the Polish Church has retained its strength, and society has not been subjected to mass secularization.