Integracja Polski z Unią Europejską i nauczanie Jana Pawła II

Abstract

Political changes at the end of the last century set the scene for the integration of Europe as one of the continents on the globe. The process of transformation has had an impact also on Poland, applying to join the European Union. Keeping that in mind, in this paper we will give a thought to some of the historical aspects of Christianity in Europe, proceeding then to a presentation of significant facts concerning the consolidation process of the European countries after the World War II. This topic has been also touched upon by Pope John Paul II. Thus it is attempted in this paper to present a picture of the continent as it was seen by the Pope still back in the days when he was the shepherd of the Church in Poland. Nowadays as head of the Church, witnessing the process of Poland’s integration with the European Union, he emphasises the need to preserve Christian tradition on this continent. What is more, he stresses that it is Europe’s duty to introduce Christian values. For the reason of the initiated process of joining the Union by Poland, issues covered in this paper seem to be topical and especially important.