Social and culture-creating dimension of pilgrimages of pope John Paul II on
the example of the pilgrimage to Kazakhstan. The pilgrimages of pope John Paul
II were witness of faith and manifestation of freedom, especially the religious freedom,
including the values of the culture of nations which he visited. The main
focus of his pilgrimages was placed on the human rights. During his pilgrimage
to Kazakhstan in September 2001 pope John Paul II expressed his solidarity with
the Kazakh nation and its rich culture. He came to this country as an apostle of
Jesus Christ and with pastoral care he preached about the key issues of the Church
as well as of the Kazakh society. Many times he reiterated the fundamental significance
of the culture and the need to respect the human dignity as well as the
freedom of conscience and religion. He pointed out the great strength that comes
from faith and emphasized that you cannot acquiesce in the face of hate, terror and
evil. He called to care about the culture as well as the unity and the community of
all nations living in Kazakhstan. He also asked the youth not to forget about the
importance of faith in human life. Recalling the servant of God, Fr. Władysław
Bukowiński, pope John Paul II showed the great value of his witness of fidelity
to God as well as to Church. Through his preaching and various gatherings pope
John Paul II lifted the spirits of the Kazakh nation as well as strengthened their
faith. He also poured into people’s heart hope for material and cultural development
of the country. He reassured them about his community with the whole nation
and his unceasing prayer for them.