Percepcja trzeciej wizyty Jana Pawła II w ojczyźnie

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in perception of the Pope’s visit to Poland in 1987. The sample consisted of 550 persons (aged 17 – 75) living in the Archidioces of Cracow. The subjects were divided according to sex (52% women and 48% men) and religious selfevaluation (strong believers, believers,doubtfuls and indifferents). Significant differences between woman and men were found in some emotions connected with the Pope’s visit to Poland, in evaluation of its results, in motivation to participate in meetings with John Paul II. Religious orientation correlates with the type of preparation to the Pope’s visit, changes in style of life, perception of message presented by the Pope: believers in preparation to the visit stressing personal prayer and confession. For them the most important aspects of truth preached by John Paul II were the love of God, the Eucharist, charity and also freedom and unity of the nation. For all respondents the most important feelings connected with the Pope’s third visit to Poland were joy, hope and feeling of friendship with others. The best way to follow the Pope’s appeal is sincerity to another person. Since John Paul II is an uncommon and charismatic person any meeting with Him can be described psychologically as a multidimensional experience.