Abstract
In the 1990s, countries like Poland in Eastern Europe could no longer sustain the instability of Soviet rule and were eager to gain independence. The collapse of Soviet domination in Poland after 1989 allowed the country to democratize politically and restore religious freedom. John Paul II used this moment to reignite religion within Poland’s socio-cultural fabric, reminding the nation of its deep-rooted Catholic traditions. By integrating religiosity into Poland’s major political movement, Solidarność, John Paul II succeeded at fostering a stronger religious consciousness among the Polish people. During John Paul II’s papacy, individuals’ admiration for him came from his presence during the fall of Communism and his influence afterwards. The positive association between John Paul II and Catholicism made individuals in Poland increasingly subscribe to Catholicism and consider it an integral part of their Polish identity. The research considers how John Paul II’s papacy strengthened the role of the Catholic Church in Polish societies as an integral part of Polish identity.
Presenters
Anastasia KulagaStudent, History and Political Science, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
John Paul II, Papacy, Independence, Solidarity, Identity, Poland
