Kowalski, Jan2022-12-122022-12-122003Polonia Sacra, 2003, R. 7 (25), Nr 13 (57), s. 171-186.1428-5673http://theo-logos.pl/xmlui/handle/123456789/2135Europe owes its existence, identical character and unity to monastìcism, evangelical humanism and the development of universities, which worked out an original, Christian vision of man and culture. Unfortunately, since the Enlightment Europe has been in a state of a deepening crisis. The crisis involves, according to John Paul II, both civil and religious spheres and is responsible for divisions. Political will, new economic structures and a monetary union are not sufficient factors to recreate the true unity of Europe. What is needed is soul and spirit. The mission of Christians is therefore to help to find this soul, which was present in all history of Europe and which corresponds to its identity. In other words, a return to ethics and a search for Christian values are needed to establish a solid basis for human existence, individual and social. A fight against injustice and for human dignity, defending human rights, especially of the poor and disinherited, an unceasing search for peace and reconciliation among nations, respect for national cultures and natural environment are at stake.plAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Polandhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/pl/Jan Paweł IIKarol WojtyłapapieżechrześcijaństwoKościółEuropahistoriakulturacywilizacjareligiaśredniowieczenowożytnośćkatolicyzmduchowośćBógczłowiekJohn Paul IIpopesChristianityChurchEuropehistoryculturecivilisationreligionMiddle Agesmodern eraCatholicismspiritualityGodhumanduchowieństwoclergypriesthoodkapłaniArticle