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Poland bids farewell to 'peacemaker' Bartoszewski

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 04.05.2015 15:32
Former foreign minister and Auschwitz survivor Władysław Bartoszewski was hailed as a peacemaker during the late diplomat's funeral in Warsaw on Monday.
The funeral of Władyslaw Bartoszewski at St. John's Cathedral in Warsaw. Photo: Paweł SupernakThe funeral of Władyslaw Bartoszewski at St. John's Cathedral in Warsaw. Photo: Paweł Supernak

Bishop Grzegorz Ryś said in his homily at St. John's Cathedral that the most fitting description of Bartoszewski’s life is contained in one of the eight beatitudes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”

He reflected that Bartoszewski was a man of two dialogues – Polish-German and Polish-Christian-Jewish, stressing that even though his commitment to Polish-German dialogue had a political dimension, it was born first and foremost out of a need for reconciliation with the Germans rooted in the Christian experience.

In his work to foster the dialogue with the Jews, the bishop said, Bartoszewski also referred to his faith as a source of inspiration and strength. During World War II, Bartoszewski had been a member of the Polish Underground State's Council to Aid Jews, mentored by Zofia Kossak, a celebrated writer and social activist.

President Bronisław Komorowski reflected that Bartoszewski was a man who history had burdened with an extremely difficult, almost backbreaking task, but he accomplished all, and was victorious.

We bid farewell to a wonderful man, who was an example for entire generations of Poles,” he said.

Following the service in St John's Cathedral, which was attended by former presidents Lech Wałęsa and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, as well as President of the European Council Donald Tusk, Bartoszewski was laid to rest at Warsaw's Powązki cemetery. (nh)

More on Bartoszewski's multi-faceted career

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