Poland : Religion / Religia

Poland became a Christian country in 966 when Mieszko I baptised the country. Since then Poles were always committed to their Christian faith. As stated before, 91.2% of Poles belong to the Roman Catholic Church. It is important to state that Poland wasn't always dominated by Catholics. Before the war, Judaism was a dominant religion however, when the Nazi Germany killed majority of Polish Jews Protestantism became a major religious minority. After the war, the Roman Catholic Church 'born' again however, the Soviet Russians tried to 'fight' with the church and take over its possessions.

This painting painted by Jan Matejko presents the Christianisation of Poland

Since 1989, the Roman Catholic Church is a major player in Poland. With over 92% of followers it has a huge political influence on laws and the constitution. The Catholic Church leaders took part at the Round table talks between the Communist Party and the Solidarity Movement led by Lech Wałęsa in 1989. The Catholic faith is well respected by Poles who associate the church with the history and culture. The crucifixes are present in all class rooms, public offices, hospitals, workplaces as well as in the Debating Chamber in the Polish Parliament.

The Crucifix in the Polish Debating Chamber at the Polish Parliament.

Despite, many Anti-Catholic activists and political parties, Poland is second most Catholic country in Europe. It has more Catholic followers than Italy, Spain or Ireland. The Anti-Catholic reached it's peak in 2010 elections and began to disappear since then. The main anti-catholic left-wing politican Janusz Palikot was the main 'figther' against the Church during the parliamentary campaign in 2010. He was claiming that according to the Polish Constitution the crucifix should not be present in public places. This discussion was a hot topic in Poland for months however as majority of Poles are Catholics nothing was done to remove the crucifixes from public places.

This video shows Mr Palikot nailing the Polish Constitution to the Cross.

Poles love to attend various pilgrimages. The main pilgrimage takes place in Jasna Góra, Częstochowa. Very often they are walking hundreds of kilometers before they arrive in Jasna Góra. Every year millions of pilgrims are visiting Jasna Góra to thank Our Lady for the good mercy and bring their own personal intentions to God.