7 - The Roman Catholic Church and Forced Displacement in Poland

Summary

Abstract

In 1926-1938, the number of emigrants returning to Poland was 870,300 people, while repatriates amounted to 1,181,100 people. The period after World War II was characterised by mass population displacements resulting from repatriation, re-emigration and relocation. According to the data of the State Repatriation Office, repatriation and re-emigration to Poland in 1944-1949 amounted to 3.8 million people. Before 1989, the flow of migrants to Poland remained at a very low level. The Polish transformation of the late 1980s and early 1990s and the associated lifting of restrictions on the movement of people resulted in the arrival of the first groups of foreigners. The opening of the borders encouraged an influx of migrants from beyond the country's eastern border. Also, the first refugees appeared in Poland at that time. In Poland the category of people defined as refugees is relatively small. In relation to refugees, Pope Francis follows the path set by his predecessors. Pope Francis’ standpoint on immigrants and refugees is not shared by all members of the Catholic and Christian community, including some Polish bishops and priests.

Keywords: Roman Catholic Church, Poland, forced displacement, Migration

In the city of tents and mud, migrants are identified as ‘non-natives’; no clear distinctions are made between emigrants, exiles, displaced persons and asylum seekers, as they constitute an alternative community.

– Mościcki (2017: 286)

Introduction

Poland, although today seen as a Catholic country, was for centuries a multireligious state. This was due to a deeply rooted tradition of religious tolerance as well as the geopolitical position of the country. Before World War II, Roman Catholics amounted to approximately 64-65% of the population, while 11-12% were Orthodox; 10-11% Greek Catholic; 10% Jewish; and 2-3% Protestant. During the interwar period, there was no separate law regulating religious issues. However, pursuant to Article 114 of the March Constitution of Poland of 17 March 1921, the Roman Catholicism that prevailed in the society gained a privileged position among recognised religious associations. The shifting of the national borders after World War II was one of the key factors that changed the religious structure of the society. During the communist period, the Catholic Church was seen as the strongest line of opposition against the structures and institutions of the communist state.