The Concept of Polonia in John Paul II’s Statements

Abstract

The paper analyzes ca 40 addresses delivered by the pope John Paul II during meetings with the Polish emigration and their subsequent generations in ca countries and in Rome. The paper covers the period of 1979-1989. It seeks to analyze the contents of the concept "Polonia" by which is meant the ethnic groups of Polish origin that settled in various countries. One can understand this concept in a double way: exclusive and inclusive. In the first case it would be Polish ethnic groups abroad which totally identify themselves in a conscious manner with Polish culture and traditions. In the case of inclusive understanding one would mean all those who, irrespectively of their country of origin and fluency of the Polish language, preserve some cultural values linked with their Polish origin. This way or another they show their interest in it. An analysis of papal addresses contained in the paper leads to the following conclusions. The pope looks on Polish emigration and Polonia first of all in its pastoral aspect. He always makes notice, however, of all historical, cultural, religious, psychological, political, organizational and economical conditionings in which Polish people live abroad.

"Polonia" in his understanding is a very complex social reality. All conditionings which have been mentioned above are linked with one another and interdepedent.

The following statements contained in the papal addresses belong to the basic ones: "Polonia" is a living part of Poland; its great moral duty is to preserve their own spiritual identity based on Polish historical heritage; the preservation of Christian values which permeate Polish culture is the condition of a positive contribution to the development of new homelands as well as their first homeland, Poland. The pope always points to double solidarity and responsibility (for their country of settlement and country of origin). "Polonia" has a mission of religious and social character in the world to fulfill. The concept of Polonia in the papal addresses seems to have a broad and inclusive meaning.