History often relegates great figures to the confines of museums and monuments, transforming vibrant voices into mere quotes on school blackboards and teachings into archival relics referenced only on rare occasions. Yet, this should not be the legacy of John Paul II. Instead, we must strive to think not only about him but with him. Engaging with John Paul II’s thoughts is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world and understanding the pivotal role that Poland and its people must play – not just in shaping their own future, but in influencing the broader global landscape.
Recounting the Life of John Paul II
Karol Wojtyla was undeniably a man of history, but he was also a visionary for the future. For John Paul II, it was not nostalgia that mattered most, but ideas. He not only played a critical role in the downfall of communism by exposing its fundamental anthropological flaws but also foresaw future challenges long before many of his contemporaries.
Papież Jan Paweł II w trakcie pielgrzymki do Polski w 1999 r. Fot. Daniel Pach FORUM 0428892132. (Źródło: DlaPolonii.pl)
As the Polish Pope who ushered in the third millennium, he did not linger on the past; instead, he consistently posed the question of how to construct a world that is more humane, just, equitable, and divine. During the communist era, he reminded Europe of its spiritual foundations and its responsibilities on the global stage. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, he emphasized the importance of a freedom rooted in a cultural identity that embraces, rather than excludes, the essence of individuality. As globalization took hold in the 21st century, he warned against its potential descent into a dictatorship of relativism and economic Darwinism, unequivocally denouncing what he deemed evil. He championed solidarity over capitalism, highlighting the intrinsic sense of solidarity woven into Polish heritage, which enabled the formation of the nation’s largest workers' trade union, ‘Solidarity.’
This legacy must not be forgotten. It is the responsibility of not only those who remember the Polish Pope but also those who engage with his teachings through media or archival recordings.
Teaching Beyond the Boundaries of Time and Space
The teachings of John Paul II, rich with profound insights, should be revisited today not merely as historical reflections but as guiding principles for contemporary challenges. Three ideas, from my standpoint, stand out as particularly relevant.
First, ‘Do not be afraid!’ This phrase, articulated at the outset of his papacy in 1978, transcended mere rhetoric. John Paul II addressed a world rife with division, tension, and fear – a world strikingly similar to what we see today. This message is also a personal call to every individual. Often distilled to its initial words, it serves as an invitation to embrace love and faith: ‘Do not be afraid to open the door to Christ,’ he proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His message was not only directed at societies but also at individuals: do not shy away from demanding more of yourself, even when others set lower expectations. This resonates in our current climate, where fear – of the future, of losing status, of feeling inadequate – can paralyze many.
Second, human dignity stands paramount. Few popes have so consistently underscored the inherent dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. When John Paul II advocated for life’s sanctity, he was not merely a political figure or ideologue; he was a witness to the truth of humanity, having endured the trials of two totalitarian regimes that sought to undermine every aspect of human existence. In an age where technology redefines humanity and the economy risks reducing individuals to mere data points or resources, his affirmations of the inviolable dignity of each person are profoundly prophetic. This message is more crucial than ever in our contemporary world.
Lastly, ‘Solidarity.’ It is both a principle and a practice – equal and unwavering. For John Paul II, solidarity was not merely a political catchphrase; it was a guiding principle of social life rooted in the Gospel. It embodies not just compassion, but active commitment to the common good, transcending the mere label of a social movement that liberated our region. In a time when the world seems more fractured than ever, and polarisation dominates politics and media, the Pope’s vision of solidarity challenges us to cultivate meaningful relationships in our daily lives – at home, at work, and in society – without which no societal bonds can truly flourish.
As we reflect on John Paul II’s legacy on the 20th anniversary of his passing, we should not view him as a relic of the past, but rather as a figure whose insights hold significant relevance for today. His words continue to resonate powerfully, perhaps even more so than the gestures that many remember. Therefore, instead of seeking straightforward answers in his teachings, let us ponder the questions he raised. Let us think alongside him rather than merely about him, for the inquiries he posed and the challenges he foresaw remain open to our response and action.
