Poland

The Latest

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Shrine of Czestochowa, July 28, 2016.

The humble speak for God, Pope says at Czestochowa

Jul 28, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Those who embrace their own littleness become the “spokespersons” of God, Pope Francis said during Mass at the shrine of... Read more

Al and Yousef Astfan are brothers from Syria who reunited in Krakow at World Youth Day after three years.

Syrian brothers reunite at WYD, and ask the world to pray

Jul 27, 2016

By Kate Veik, Kevin J. Jones

Among the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at World Youth Day are two brothers, recently reunited.  Read more

Pope Francis speaks to World Youth Day participants from the balcony of the bishop's palace in Krakow, July 27, 2016.

In first balcony talk, Pope tells youth to 'make chaos'

Jul 27, 2016

By Elise Harris

On his first night in Krakow Pope Francis was already stirring things up with participants in WYD by hosting an... Read more

President Andrzej Duda shakes hands with Pope Francis at Wawel Castle on July 27, 2016.

Francis to Polish leaders: Remember the past, but look to the future

Jul 27, 2016

After landing in Krakow on Wednesday, Pope Francis told Polish leaders to take a look at their history and use... Read more

Wieliczka Salt Mine chapel, Poland.

The story of Poland's majestic 'underground salt cathedral'

Jul 27, 2016

By Elise Harris

Located just southeast of Krakow, the Wieliczka salt mine is famous for many things – most notably its underground chapels,... Read more

Pope Francis at the Divine Mercy Vigil in St. Peter's Square, April 2, 2016.

Pope Francis goes to Krakow tomorrow – here's what to watch for

Jul 26, 2016

By Elise Harris

Many special moments are anticipated during Pope Francis' visit to Poland this week for World Youth Day, especially considering his... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St. Peter's Square, June 8, 2016.

Pope Francis is ready for World Youth Day – are you?

Jul 20, 2016

Even though World Youth Day doesn't start until next week, thousands of pilgrims from throughout the world are already descending... Read more

        Our Lady of Cze?stochowa.

Who is 'the Black Madonna' and why is she so important?

Jul 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the “Black Madonna,” will be one of Pope Francis' primary stops during his... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal plane, August 14, 2014.

How the Pope's visit to Auschwitz will shape World Youth Day

Jun 16, 2016

Since the very first World Youth Day in 1986, the international Catholic event has been marked by prayer, music, and... Read more

Polish rallies seek stronger protections for unborn children

May 17, 2016

Thousands of Polish pro-lifers have called on parliament to pass a bill that would further restrict abortion in the country.  Read more

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk and other Eastern Catholic bishops gathered at St. Peter's Square, Nov. 27, 2013.

Polish, Eastern Catholic bishops stand firm on pastoral care for families

Jun 9, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

During recent meetings which were held separately, both the Polish bishops and the Eastern Catholic bishops from Europe have discussed... Read more

Doctor, Physician, Office, Health. File Photo.

Firing of Polish doctor over abortion refusal sparks outcry

Aug 2, 2014

By Elise Harris

The removal one of Poland's top doctors as director of Holy Family hospital in Warsaw for refusing to perform an... Read more

Official logo, prayer for WYD Krakow 2016 announced

Jul 3, 2014

By Elise Harris

In a press conference held earlier today in Krakow, Poland, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz presented the official logo and prayer for... Read more

Photograph of Wojciech Jaruzelski taken in 1968, around the time he became the Defence Minister of Poland.

Polish communist's reconciliation with Church hailed as joyous

Jun 18, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

The recent funeral Mass said for Wojciech Jaruzelski, who was a Polish military commander and communist politician during the Cold... Read more

Archbishop William Lori celebrates Mass with with Knights of Columbus for Polish pilgrims in Rome on April 26, 2014

Knights of Columbus host Mass for Polish pilgrims in Rome

Apr 26, 2014

By Elise Harris

In honor of the canonizations of Bl. John Paul II and John XXIII the Knights donated two fields in Rome... Read more

Bl. John Paul II.

John Paul II: a man indispensable to the fall of the Soviet Union

Apr 16, 2014

Bl. John Paul II’s key role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact can be attributed... Read more

Paul Jarzembowski speaks with CNA on April 10, 2014

Greatest fruit of WYD has been vocations, organizer says

Apr 14, 2014

By Elise Harris

At a recent gathering discussing preparations for World Youth Day in Krakow, a coordinator for the event emphasized that each... Read more

Pope John Paul II Visits United Nations.

Burning of JPII's letters would be senseless, cardinal says

Mar 7, 2014

By Elise Harris

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz addressed his controversial publishing of letters which John Paul II asked to be burned, affirming that the... Read more

Pope Francis walks with Archbishop Georg Ganswein in St. Peter's Square during his Wednesday general audience on Dec. 4, 2013

Polish bishop: Vatican visit shows no division with Church, Pope

Feb 13, 2014

By Elise Harris

During a recent interview, Archbishop Stanislaw Budzik reflected his ad limina visit to Rome last week, explaining that in the... Read more

Pope Francis holds an audience with students from Jesuit-run schools in Italy and Albania in Paul VI Hall June 7, 2013.

Pope: Marriage cannot be based simply on emotional satisfaction

Feb 10, 2014

Speaking to the Polish bishops last week, Pope Francis encouraged a stronger understanding of marriage, accompanied by a merciful attitude... Read more