THE POLISH authorities have publicly welcomed Pope John Paul's visit to Poland, following confirmation that he will travel to his homeland in June.
Stefan Olszwoski, Polish Foreign Minister, spoke to Parliament on Monday, declaring that the Pope's trip could "contribute to the development of a constructive dialogue between church and state, and between the Vatican and Poland."
Plans for the visit were announced in a pastoral letter from the Polish episcopacy read out in church on Sunday and released simultaneously at the Vatican. Archbishop Glemp confirmed on Monday that the visit would commence on June 18.
The pastoral letter looked forward to the time of preparation for Pope John Paul's second pilgrimage to Poland but reiterated the great suffering endured by Poland in recent times, pointing out that "Social life is burdened by the tragedy of internal wounds, injustice. infractions of the fundamental laws of man."