Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History
Abstract
Pope John Paul II's first visit to Poland took place in June of 1979. The pilgrimage was arguably one of the most important trips of his pontificate. Within a matter of days the Pope was able to transform Polish society, inspire hope, and ignite a sense of collective dignity. Through a series of rhetorically powerful speeches the pilgrim awakened the oppressed nation and questioned the foundations of Communist authority to rule. Talking about the inalienable rights of man, the Pope stirred up a longing for freedom that matured with the birth of the Solidarity Movement in 1980. His epical journey ultimately changed the course of Polish history.
Recommended Citation
Polaski, Przemyslaw P., "Pilgrimage of dignity : Pope John Paul II's June 1979 visit to Poland" (2006). Honors Theses. 1363.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1363