Jan Paweł II o roli kultury w życiu człowieka i narodów

The present article is an attempt to present John Paul II’s opinions on the role of culture in the life of a man and nations, especially the Polish nation, which - deprived of its sovereign state - survived 123 years of national bondage retaining its language and identity. The author tries to show the Pope’s stand on culture in a broad sense and its position in the history of Europe and the processes of its economic, political and social integration. In the article the author proposes many interesting theses and hypotheses on John Paul II’s opinions on culture and his stand on culture creation processes as well as the influence of Christianity, especially the Catholic Church, on the Polish culture and European culture. Echoing John Paul II, she proves that culture is one of the most important elements of national ties that are essential for the existence of nations.