Position of the Polish Bishops’ Conference: We appeal to respect the memory of one of the most outstanding Poles

The bishops stressed that "the canonization process that has been carried out, including, in-depth, scientific historical analysis, leaves no doubt about the sanctity of John Paul II." "His papal preaching, apostolic visits, and diplomatic efforts contributed to the spiritual growth of millions of people around the world. For them, the Polish Pope was and is a moral reference point, a teacher of the faith, and an intercessor in heaven," they added.

"Are we going to allow to be deprived of this treasure on the basis of a journalistic coverage of materials fabricated by the Communist Security Service? It was done disregarding the scientific workshop, in a biased, often ahistorical manner, without knowledge of the context, other existing documents, reports or studies," the Position reads.

The bishops thanked all those who defend the good name of Saint John Paul II with courage and firmness. "We appeal not to exploit the person of the Polish Pope for the sake of current politics. We encourage you to pray through the intercession of Saint John Paul II for our Church and national community," they stressed in the Position.

Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

The full text of the Position follows:

SAINT JOHN PAUL THE GREAT
Position of the Polish Bishops' Conference

In recent days there has been an unprecedented attack on the person and image of Saint John Paul II. This is happening in the homeland of the Pope, who made Poland's name famous around the world like no other. "Pope John Paul II," wrote the mayor of Rome on the Pope’s beatification, "left an indelible mark on the history of Christianity and on the history of the peoples of Europe and the entire world. Holy Father Wojtyla became a symbol, a guide, both for believers and non-believers. He was a Pope whose contribution proved decisive for the overthrow of communism and all those doctrines that aimed at the destruction of all dignity and freedom of the human being. Numerous nations found in him layers of immense strength, capable of transmitting the beauty of the faith and the values associated with it."

On his canonization, Pope Francis recalled that Karol Wojtyla grew up to serve Christ and the Church in his homeland, Poland, before setting out to travel the roads of the world. "I thank the Polish people and the Church in Poland for the gift of John Paul II,"

Francis said, and stressed that the Polish Pope continues to inspire us through his words, writings, gestures, style of ministry, and suffering lived with heroic hope. "We are inspired by his total entrustment to Christ, the Redeemer of the human being, and to the Mother of God."

Saint John Paul II is one of the greatest Poles in our history. He is also the father of our freedom. He walked before us like Moses - he led us out of the house of slavery, led us through the Red Sea, and reminded us of the tablets of God's Commandments. He stood in the line of great prophets, powerful in word and deed. He showed the way, protected us from danger, and warned us against entanglement in the thorns of evil and sin. He took us on his shoulders and lovingly brought us into Christ's sheepfold.

The poet and thinker valued and loved Polish culture, history, and tradition. The great and demanding teacher was concerned about the heritage whose name is Poland. He stemmed from this heritage, he grew up and matured in it, and it shaped him. He was proud of this heritage and was not ashamed to acknowledge it before the world. And at the same time, he was the world's first citizen, he went to all nations. He showed respect for every culture, history, and tradition. He appealed for the spiritual unity of Europe and reminded it of its Christian roots, from which our culture and civilization arise.

His pilgrimages to the homeland were great retreats for the nation, milestones in our history, and were breathing the Holy Spirit into the consciences of tormented and confused compatriots. He spoke the words that had causative power, capable of pushing the country's history and the fate of the people onto new tracks: "Let Your Spirit descend," "Peace to You Poland, My Homeland!" "Everyone should have their own Westerplatte!" "Do not be afraid to be saints!" "Have the imagination of mercy!".

His papal preaching, apostolic visits, and diplomatic efforts have contributed to the spiritual growth of millions of people around the world. For them, the Polish Pope was and is a moral reference point, a teacher of the faith, and an intercessor in heaven.

In view of recent large-scale attempts to discredit the person and work of St. John Paul II, we once again appeal to everyone to respect the memory of one of our most outstanding compatriots. The canonization process that has been carried out, including in-depth, scientific historical analysis, leaves no doubt about the sanctity of John Paul II.

Are we going to allow to be deprived of this treasure on the basis of journalistic coverage of materials fabricated by the Communist Security Service? It was done disregarding the scientific workshop, in a biased, often ahistorical manner, without knowledge of the context, other existing documents, reports, or studies. The Secret Service documents show the scale of surveillance against the person of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla. We cannot allow a situation in which those who opposed the communist dictatorship would have to be ashamed and explain themselves, rather than those who invigilated citizens, wrote denunciations, collaborated with the communist regime, persecuted believers, and violated people's consciences.

The Church's pronouncement on a person's holiness is not based on his individual decisions or lack thereof. It considers the totality of life and activity and the fruits born from them.

As a Pope, St. John Paul II counted harm done to a child in the sexual sphere among the gravest crimes. He obliged all the world's episcopates to introduce specific norms for dealing with such cases. Faithful to his instructions, today we take care of the safety of young people in Church structures. We feel obliged to listen to all those wounded through the people of the Church and come to their concrete aid.

We thank all those who defend the good name of Saint John Paul II with courage and firmness. "We appeal not to exploit the person of the Polish Pope for the sake of current politics. We encourage you to pray through the intercession of Saint John Paul II for our Church and national community. Let us not allow ourselves to be deprived of the sense of pride and joy of belonging to the Christ Church. Let us not be divided; let us defend our most precious values together.

Bishops gathered at the 394th Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops' Conference

Warsaw, March 14, 2023

Translation: Sr. Amata Nowaszewska / Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference