Poland Commemorates 20 Years Since John Paul II's Death

On April 2, 2025, communities across Poland gathered to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, a figure who profoundly impacted the Catholic Church and the world. From Łódź to Limanowa, and from Świdnica to Łowicz, people remembered the beloved pontiff with heartfelt tributes, candlelight vigils, and the singing of his favorite hymn, "Barka." These commemorations not only honored his legacy but also highlighted the enduring connection many Poles feel to his teachings and the moments that defined his papacy.

In Łódź, the ceremony took place at the monument of John Paul II, where Joanna Skrzydlewska, the regional marshal, and Adam Wieczorek, the vice president of the city, laid flowers. Local residents, including Mariola and Bożena, participated by lighting candles and sharing personal memories of the day they learned of his passing. “I was at a birthday party when we heard about the Pope’s death on TV,” recalled Bożena. “We got up from the table and went to the cathedral. Every year, we come here on the anniversary of John Paul II's death and light a candle.”

Twenty years ago, the news of John Paul II's death was announced by Telewizja Polska, delivered by Jesuit priest Andrzej Majewski. In the wake of this announcement, church bells rang in nearly every Polish church, marking a moment of national mourning. “When I heard the news, I immediately went to the church,” said Ks. Andrzej Blewiński, who was a parish priest at that time. “I opened the church and rang the bells. Within minutes, the church was full! People were crying and praying. I will never forget that moment.”

As night fell, crowds gathered outside the Łódź cathedral, lighting candles and singing “Barka.” Elżbieta Kaczmarek, a local accountant, recalled attending the cathedral regularly until John Paul II's funeral. “We would gather in large numbers, lighting candles at 9:37 PM and singing ‘Barka.’ It felt like a great unity, solidarity. We knew we had lost a great man,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Limanowa, the community also came together to honor the Pope's memory. At exactly 9:37 PM, “Barka” resonated in the town square, a song regarded as the Holy Father’s favorite. The event, organized by Mateusz Wroński, featured attendees lighting candles at the monument of John Paul II and singing religious songs alongside the local band “Górne Łososinioki.” The gathering was framed by the poignant motto: “You sought us... now we have come to you.”

Interestingly, Limanowa holds a special place in the history of John Paul II, as he frequently visited the region during the 1970s, often staying in Olszówka where youth retreats, organized by the late Fr. Władysław Gil, took place. Many believe it was here that Karol Wojtyła first heard “Barka.”

In Łowicz, the community of Primary School No. 7 commemorated the anniversary by gathering at a stone that honors the Pope's Holy Mass from 1999. Led by Ks. Mateusz Podkowiński, students shared memories of his teachings, while the community sang “Barka.” An exhibition in the school hall showcased events from 20 years ago when the news of the Pope's death reached the town.

On the same day, the community of Primary School No. 315 in Świdnica honored John Paul II, their patron since 2012. Students and teachers marched through the streets, carrying papal flags, and gathered at the monument to sing “Barka” and their school anthem, laying a commemorative wreath in his honor.

As the nation reflected on the legacy of John Paul II, Archbishop Angelo Comastri, during a vigil, expressed that “Christ would open the doors to the Pope.” This sentiment resonated with many who gathered to remember the man who served as a moral compass for countless individuals. His final moments were marked by a Holy Mass led by Archbishop Stanisław Dziwisz, during which the Pope received Viaticum and the sacrament of the sick. Reports indicated that his health had deteriorated significantly, with worsening cardiovascular issues.

In churches throughout Poland, including Opole, people knelt in prayer, reciting the rosary for the soul of the deceased pontiff. Archbishop Alfons Nossol, who announced John Paul II's election in 1978, now proclaimed the end of his pontificate. “With each Hail Mary, more people arrived. The church filled with worshippers, many remaining for private prayers,” he noted.

The funeral of John Paul II was scheduled for April 8, 2025, and in the days leading up to it, thousands participated in a march through Opole, led by theology students carrying a banner that read: “You were looking for us, we found you.”

As communities across Poland united in remembrance, they not only celebrated the life of John Paul II but also reflected on the values he instilled in them. His teachings continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion, urging people to strive for goodness in their daily lives. The legacy of John Paul II remains a powerful force in Poland, reminding all of the importance of unity, love, and faith.