The author of this book, Monika Jabłońska, is a lawyer and philologist, currently a doctoral candidate in political science. Her interest in the Polish pope is not new. In 2015, she published Jan Paweł II: Papież, który został pisarzem, later translated into English as Wind from Heaven: John Paul II, the Poet Who Became Pope (2017).4 In addition, she has written several scholarly articles and conference papers on the legacy of John Paul II. Her doctoral research also deals with this topic. She has received numerous awards and distinctions for her academic work and is a recipient of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation scholarship.The book under review is a collection of short testimonies from forty-eight individuals who had personal connections with Karol Wojtyła (John Paul II). This distinguished group includes his close collaborators (such as Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz), friends (Eugeniusz Mróz), photographers (Arturo Mari), spiritual leaders (the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso), politicians (Edwin Meese III), diplomats (Anna Maria Anders), writers (George Weigel), journalists (Michael Reagan), scholars (Norman Davies), and figures from the world of culture (Plácido Domingo). The volume also features a passage from Melania Trump, though regrettably, the lack of context surrounding her testimony diminishes its significance in the broader scope of the work. A notable feature of Jabłońska's research is that she appears to have personally met with nearly all the individuals whose testimonies are included in the book. However, the reader will find that details about the nature of the book, its intended audience, structure, and the process of its creation are more readily available through interviews published online rather than in the book itself. This is a limitation, and those insights would undoubtedly have enriched the reader's experience. While the book includes a foreword by Professor Andrzej Nowak, his text serves primarily as an invitation to read the work. It would have been helpful to have an introduction by the author.Jabłońska's book is an engaging read, suitable for both sequential reading and selective exploration of specific interviewees. This is due to the author's consistent line of questioning, which enables the narrative to adapt to the personal experiences of interviewees. While their responses are brief, they are sufficient to illustrate their connection with the pope, their reflections on his pontificate, and their actions to ensure that the memory of his achievements endures. This concept resonates with a sermon delivered by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on April 18, 2005, at the commencement of the conclave, which is referenced in the book's introduction: “Each of us desires to leave behind a lasting legacy. . . . The only thing that will endure for eternity is the human soul, a person created by God for eternity” (p. 9).Each chapter begins with a brief introduction to the interviewee and the circumstances of their meeting with John Paul II. The choice of interlocutors suggests that the book is intended for both believers and agnostics. In an interview with Piotr Petrus, editor-in-chief of EWTN Polska, the author explained: “My work aims to promote the legacy of the great Pope and a Pole, both in Poland and internationally. This is not solely the exploration of a specific individual—Karol Wojtyła who became John Paul II—but also of Polish culture, history, and literature. I also delve deeper into Wadowice, Kraków, the Jagiellonian University, and the people with whom the future Pope worked or collaborated, such as Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and others. My efforts are aimed at building the ‘civilization of love’ to which the Holy Father summoned us.”5 Accordingly, the reader encounters discussions about the family home of the pope, his parents, his university years, and his grappling with the challenges of priesthood under the communist regime. The book also offers reflections on his elevation to the Holy See, his pontificate, and his relationships with colleagues, world leaders, and religious figures. Additionally, it touches on many personal aspects, including his admiration for Cyprian Kamil Norwid and his confrontation with suffering. Ultimately, this biography portrays a man whose life is a source of inspiration and strength in facing similar challenges.The publication explores the political activism of the pope “from a distant land,” who, through collaboration with global leaders, contributed significantly to the peaceful dissolution of the Yalta order. As Paweł Skibiński observes, Redemptor hominis (1979) discredited communist humanism, while the 1981 encyclical Laborem exercens argued convincingly that communism, ostensibly a protector of workers’ rights, actually resulted in even greater exploitation than capitalism. In turn, Sollicitudo rei socialis (1987) dismantled the myth of communist progress.6 It is crucial to note that Wojtyła had first-hand experience of both Nazi and Stalinist totalitarianism, which profoundly shaped his worldview. This perspective found philosophical expression in his writings on human dignity, the value of human labor, the significance of family and education, and the “civilization of life,” which he juxtaposed against the “civilization of death,” the latter viewed as the negation and antithesis of humanism in the Catholic tradition.7 These principles also underpin his efforts to promote peace and intercultural dialogue, notably through the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi in 1986. He was a strong advocate of ecumenism and sought to bring Christians closer together. His impact extended far beyond international politics into the broader social sphere, where he championed justice and the observance of human rights. His influence also transformed the broader cultural landscape. In 1980, speaking at UNESCO, John Paul II remarked: “Man lives a truly human life through culture. . . . Culture is the specific mode of human existence and being. . . . Culture is that through which man, as man, becomes more human. . . . A nation exists ‘by culture’ and ‘for culture.’ For this reason, culture is the great educator that enables us to ‘be more’ in a community whose history stretches beyond any individual or family.”8 These words serve not only as a call for unity but also as a source of inspiration for people across diverse regions of the world. Their genuine resonance is further deepened by the fact that John Paul II was a man of culture: a poet, writer, and actor.The interviewees did not touch upon the contemporary moral issues facing the Catholic Church, and the author chose not to question them on this matter, which is a decision well within her rights. In a related interview, she stated that John Paul II should be, and indeed remains, a role model for young people. She also expressed regret over the various ways he is now portrayed in the public sphere, where memes and viral slogans abound. However, this observation requires fuller reflection on the reasons behind such depictions. One might ask: why do young people use expressions such as odjaniepawlić? This is where etymology may come in useful. As Aneta Korycińska explains, this verb was coined to describe “the excessive glorification of something, opulence, excess, and ultimately, confusion.”9 This begs a further question: do young people encounter figures with whom they can engage in meaningful discussions about the phenomenon of the Polish pope, his achievements, and his legacy? And can they ask difficult questions and receive answers without fear of judgment? Wojtyła, after all, showed through his actions that he was not afraid of interacting with young people, who affectionately called him Uncle. Perhaps reflections of this kind will emerge in Jabłońska's forthcoming publication.The lack of an introduction makes the book more accessible to older readers, those who remember John Paul II's papacy, or those with a keen interest in history and politics. These readers may find it easier to understand, for instance, the Eastern policy of the Vatican, which was conceptualized and implemented by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli. Endorsed by John Paul II, these efforts extended the engagement of the Church with all totalitarian regimes of the latter half of the twentieth century and the early years of the new millennium, shaping the world today. However, others may need further information on the events presented, which could limit the book's appeal, particularly among younger readers.Jabłońska's book relates the history of Poland and the world, while also exploring her personal encounters with John Paul II. Additionally, it serves as a summary of the pope's legacy. Initiatives he founded, such as the World Youth Day, which has attracted millions of young people from around the globe since 1985, continue to flourish and are covered in this monograph.It is not easy to find a comparable book in bookstores. In 2024, Jolanta Sosnowska published Święty prorok: Karol Wojtyła—Jan Paweł II.10 Both authors share a deep interest in the figure of the Polish pope and have written extensively about him. In her book, Sosnowska takes a more scholarly approach. She begins by defining what constitutes a prophet and then guides the reader through the three stages of Wojtyła's life: his childhood and youth, his rise to the papacy, and his pontificate, which mirrors the structure of the monograph under review. Sosnowska also compares John Paul II and various biblical figures, such as Moses leading his people to God. His prophetic role is highlighted through his spiritual attributes: unconditional love for God, care for others, and a keen insight into the past and present, which guided him in shaping future directions. Sosnowska's book is also notable for its ability to address complex and significant issues. It is comprehensive enough to engage younger readers. Written in accessible language, this captivating book is enriched by excellent photographs, including those by Adam Bujak.
Agnieszka Chłosta-Sikorska (Thu,) studied this question.