Polish bishops at the 403rd Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference: We appeal for respect for St. John Paul II
We are saddened by the constant attempts in our homeland to discredit the authority of St. John Paul II. Such actions are unjust and hurtful, especially since they are directed at a man to whom not only the Church and our nation, but also the whole world owes so much – reads the Appeal of the Polish bishops adopted during the 403rd Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, which took place on 22 November this year at Jasna Góra.
https://episkopat.pl/doc/238531.Biskupi-na-403-Zebraniu-Plenarnym-KEP-Apelujemy-o-szacunek-dla
https://episkopat.pl/doc/238583.I-vescovi-polacchi-alla-403-Assemblea-Plenaria-della-Conferenza
We publish the full text of the Appeal:
We appeal for respect for St. John Paul II
Polish history knows many important and exceptional figures who helped shape it and influenced its social, political, cultural and religious dimensions. St. John Paul II undoubtedly belongs to this group.
His teaching is of particular importance, as it clearly and consistently conveys the spiritual richness and light of the Good News, defends true freedom, dignity and the right to life of every human being, reveals the priceless value of marriage and family, and helps us understand contemporary problems so that we can effectively solve them. St. John Paul II was a powerful voice for the poor, the persecuted, the discriminated, the harmed and the enslaved. Thanks to his ministry, many nations regained their freedom, and many people came to believe in Christ, regained a sense of purpose in life, strengthened their hope and changed their lives.
His pontificate contributed greatly to the fall of communism and the restoration of unity in Europe. This Pope reminded us that for this unity to stand the test of time, it must be based on Christian values. He taught that in order to preserve it, human solidarity is particularly necessary, which he defined as ‘one and the other, not one against the other’.
It takes a great deal of ill will not to notice the enormous wealth of good that is the fruit of his extremely hard-working and creative service at the See of Peter and the contribution he has made to positive changes in Poland. That is why the constant attempts to discredit his authority in our homeland fill us with sadness. Such actions are unjust and hurtful, especially since they are directed at a man to whom not only the Church and our nation, but also the whole world owes so much. They seem to confirm once again the bitter words of Jesus about the inhabitants of his native Nazareth: ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house’ (Mk 6:4). We thank all those who stand guard over the teaching and heritage and respect the good name of St. John Paul II, one of the greatest Poles in the history of our homeland.
Signed by the pastors of the Catholic Church in Poland present at the 403rd Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.
Jasna Góra, 22 November 2025
