Social and culture-creating dimension of pilgrimages of pope John Paul II on the example of the pilgrimage to Kazakhstan

Abstract

The pilgrimages of pope John Paul II were witness of faith and manifestation of freedom, especially the religious freedom, including the values of the culture of nations which he visited. The main focus of his pilgrimages was placed on the human rights. During his pilgrimage to Kazakhstan in September 2001 pope John Paul II expressed his solidarity with the Kazakh nation and its rich culture. He came to this country as an apostle of Jesus Christ and with pastoral care he preached about the key issues of the Church as well as of the Kazakh society. Many times he reiterated the fundamental significance of the culture and the need to respect the human dignity as well as the freedom of conscience and religion. He pointed out the great strength that comes from faith and emphasized that you cannot acquiesce in the face of hate, terror and evil. He called to care about the culture as well as the unity and the community of all nations living in Kazakhstan. He also asked the youth not to forget about the importance of faith in human life. Recalling the servant of God, Fr. Władysław Bukowiński, pope John Paul II showed the great value of his witness of fidelity to God as well as to Church. Through his preaching and various gatherings pope John Paul II lifted the spirits of the Kazakh nation as well as strengthened their faith. He also poured into people’s heart hope for material and cultural development of the country. He reassured them about his community with the whole nation and his unceasing prayer for them.