The Pope in Krakow
The death of Pope John Paul II on April 2nd 2005 saw Poland enter a period of national mourning. For such a devoutly Catholic country, the Pope was a national hero, and his passing was felt particularly strongly in Krakow, where he had spent so much of his early life.
The future pope was born Karol Wojtila in 1920 in the town of Wadowice, 40km from Krakow. He was studying Polish language and literature at Jagellonian University when WW2 started, and was forced to spend the first part of the war working in a stone quarry. He was a keen and adept sportsman and was also involved in underground theatre during this period. He began studying for the priesthood in 1942 and was ordained in 1946. He became Archbishop of Krakow in 1964 and when elected Pope in 1978, moved to Rome.
As Pope John Paul II, he was influential in his support of the Solidarity Movement in Poland, which eventually saw the end of communist rule. Although his strict stance on abortion, contraception and gay rights drew criticism in recent years, he is also remembered as the "globetrotting Pope" who toured the world a staggering 27 times and fought for an end to world poverty and armed conflict and promoted reconciliation between different religions. The pope visited his beloved Poland many times during his papalcy. During his last visit to Krakow in 2002, a massive crowd of over 2 million followers filled the Blonie field. After his death, mourners once again packed the same field and unprecedented scenes were witnessed, such as fans of the two rival football clubs or Wisla Krakow and Cracovia marching in the market square and shaking hands with each other to make peace.
There are many landmarks in Krakow for those in interested in the life and legacy of the Polish Pope. His student home is located at ul.Tyniecka 10, just across the river near the Grundwaldzki bridge, and is commemorated with a plaque. He delivered his first mass in the Crypt of St Leonard, underneath Wawel Cathedral. From 1958-63, he lived at Kanonicza 19, which is now home to the archdiocesan museum. As archbishop of Krakow, he lived in the bishop's palace, next to St Francis Basilica on ul.Franciszanksa 3. Wadowice is an easy day trip from Krakow, and is home to a museum dedicated to his life, which is located in the home where he was born and spent his early years.
