Monument to Pope John Paul II on Cathedral Square in Katowice

The monument to John Paul II stands in the north-western corner of Cathedral Square in Katowice, beside the Cathedral of Christ the King. On the other side of Powstańców street lies John Paul II Square. The monument was blessed on 19 May 2006 by the Metropolitan of Upper Silesia, Archbishop Damian Zimoń.

How the sculpture came about

The idea came from the city authorities. As their reasons, councillors gave a reminder of the Pope's teaching for residents, gratitude for his visit to Katowice in 1983 and for his consent to accept the title of honorary citizen of the city. The project also drew critical voices from some of the clergy, who suggested that charitable aid would be a better form of commemoration.

What the monument looks like

The author is the sculptor Gustaw Zemła. The bronze cast, weighing 900 kilograms and measuring over 3 metres, was made by the Gliwice Technical Equipment Works. The figure stands on a two-step podium and a low reinforced-concrete plinth clad in red Swedish granite. It shows the Pope in liturgical vestments, with a crosier and a pallium, his right hand raised. The chasuble bears a motif of the icon of the Mother of God with the Child, and the plinth carries the inscription “Totus Tuus Jan Paweł II”.

Practical information

• Location: Cathedral Square in Katowice-Śródmieście, a free-standing monument in a public space.
• On the anniversaries of the Pope's death, prayer vigils are held in front of the monument.
• Nearby are the Silesian Theatre and the Katowice History Museum.