# First papal pilgrimage (1979)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1979-first-papal-pilgrimage
Location: Warsaw

During his first visit to Poland, John Paul II spoke to millions, calling on the Holy Spirit to 'renew the face of the earth, this earth'. Many saw it as the moment Solidarity became possible. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (2 June 1979), the governing authority was Henryk Jabłoński (Chairman of the Council of State), together with Edward Gierek (First Secretary of the PZPR). Historian who served as formal head of state during the Gierek era and martial law. First papal pilgrimage mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
First papal pilgrimage mattered because religion shaped Polish identity, culture and the country's place in Europe.

Ruler at the time: [Edward Raczyński](https://poland-history.com/rulers/edward-raczynski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Pope John Paul II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_II)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First papal pilgrimage](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+papal+pilgrimage)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)