This past Saturday marked the anniversary of Karol Wojtyla's first visit to Poland as Pope John Paul II in 1979. A huge white cross was unveiled at the location of his famous mass in Warsaw, which has been credited as playing a major part in the downfall of communism in Europe.
John Paul II died in 2005 though Poles continue to hold him in the highest regard, viewing him as a national hero. In his speech in 1979, he encouraged Poles to peacefully resist the communist government. This public criticism by such a revered figure boosted the actions of the anti-communist Solidarity movement over the next 10 years.
Poles also celebrated another important anniversary last week. On 4 June 1989, through the continuous efforts of the Solidarity movement, Poland held its first semi-free elections paving its path as a democratic nation.
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