Pope sends message for 100th anniversary of Polish Independence

Pope Francis has sent a message to the President of the Polish Bishop's conference, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Poland's independence, commending Poles for their pursuit of freedom.

November 11th marks the end of the World War I and the day that Poland re-emerged as a nation 100 years ago, following Russian, Prussian and Austrian domination.

In his message to Archbishop Gadecki, the Holy Father recalls the contributions Poland made to the "history of Christian Europe" prior to the partitions of the eighteenth century.

The Pope pays homage to the many sons of Poland, whom he says "were ready to sacrifice their personal freedom, their own good, and even their lives for their lost homeland".

In quoting Pope St. John Paul II, he reiterates the support their faith provided when "after independence", these same brothers "had to seek unity despite differences, in order to rebuild the country together and defend its borders."

Pope Francis goes on to thank the Lord for "having supported successive generations with His grace", and for having brought to life their hope of "regaining the freedom lost one hundred years earlier".

He closes his message with the prayer of Saint John Paul II - whom he calls "a special witness of this century" - saying: "May the care of Mary, Queen of Poland on Jasna Góra, always accompany Your Homeland and all Poles! May God's providence give the Polish nation peace and prosperity, now and in the future!"