In words after today’s general audience at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II, speaking to fellow Poles in the audience noted that "tomorrow we will celebrate Poland's Independence Day,” and told them, “Let us thank the Lord for our country's freedom.”

“May this particular gift,” said the Holy Father, “paid for by the blood of our fathers and our mothers, be fruitful in the country with the diligent fulfilling of duties by each and every person, with mutual understanding and with dedication to the common good. May the Lord in His providence bless our  country."