John Paul II in the face of the reality of Auschwitz

Abstract

In the context of the canonization of John Paul II, the author reflects on his experience of the concentration camp at Auschwitz. It is a difficult experience, therefore it can more reveal the Pope as a man and a pastor, his way of thinking and perceiving reality. Through canonization this way is indicated to us as a pattern. John Paul came often to Auschwitz, where he saw the place of denial of God and man, but also a place of victory of man over contempt, hatred and death through faith in God, which generates love for Him and for man. The symbol of such a victory is St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, martyr of love that as Christ gave his life for the fellow prisoner Francis Gajowniczek. In this heroic deed – in the opinion of the Pope – Christ himself was present, so the camp at Auschwitz is not only hell on earth, but also the Golgotha of our times, the cemetery of the martyrs, the sanctuary of the patron of difficult century. Pope John Paul II arrived there to pray and make a reflection on the contemporary man’s condition, who in Christ the Redeemer can still conquer evil with good and to build the peace based on respect for the rights of person and nations.