This paper discusses a historical evolution of the concept of solidarity: from its clearly anti-ecclesiastical sense up to its entirely Christian conception. The concept itself is of French origin and it designates close and active social cooperation in attaining common objectives. The notion was frequently evoked by the 19th-century social movements and used as an antithesis for the Christian teaching about the love of the neighbour. The sense of the notion changed with the rise of the anticommunist protests of the Polish workers in the late 20th century, who chose Solidarity for the name of their trade union. An important role in promoting the changed idea of solidarity was played by the moral authority of the Blessed John Paul II, who incorporated this notion in his teaching and developed it further.
