John Paul II on the Role of Culture in the Life of a Man and Nations

Abstract

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.