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Poland in the UK

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Ambassador Piotr Wilczek speaks on the legacy of Pope John Paul II to mark 175 years of St George's Cathedral

06.07.2023

On 6 July 2023, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the UK Piotr Wilczek delivered a speech on the remarkable legacy of Pope John Paul II at St George's Cathedral. The talk was organised as part of celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the cathedral coming into existence.

St_George's_Cathedral,_Southwark

The lecture focused on the leadership of the Pope and his significant contributions to the downfall of communism and the restoration of freedom in Poland. It highlighted the impact of three pilgrimages to Poland in 1979, 1983, and 1987, showcasing the transformative influence the Pope had on the nation's trajectory. Additionally, the lecture discussed the collaborative efforts between the Pope, PM Margaret Thatcher, and President Ronald Reagan in their shared goal of bringing about political change in Poland. It delved into the specificities of Polish Catholicism, examining how historical and political conditions following World War II shaped its development and its role as a source of strength and resilience for the Polish people.

“Pope John Paul II, through his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, transformed the course of history and touched the lives of millions. I invite each of you to join me in reflecting upon the remarkable contributions of Pope John Paul II and the values he espoused – values that continue to shape our world today,” said Ambassador Wilczek.

Read the full speech by Ambassador Wilczek below.

Polish Embassy UK Press Office

Materials

Piotr Wilczek “The Legacy of Pope St John Paul II”
Piotr​_Wilczek​_“The​_Legacy​_of​_Pope​_St​_John​_Paul​_II”.pdf 0.59MB 
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