Kwestia zjednoczonej Jerozolimy w trakcie pielgrzymki Jana Pawła II do Ziemi Świętej

Abstract

One of the most important and difficult pilgrimages of Pope John Paul II was his visit to the Holy Land, but especially to Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (23-26 March, 2000). The Pope not only visited the most important Christian sacred places but also met with the local peoples who have for a long time lived in feud. One of the unresolved problems is the status of Jerusalem. Its eastern part remains under the Israel rule despite strong Palestinian claims. Having analysed the speeches of Israel leaders (the president, the prime minister and the chief rabbis) directed to John Paul II, the author finds that it was emphasised in each one of them that Jerusalem had been an age-long capital of the State of Israel. The message derived from the fact that on 15th February 2000 Vatican and the Palestinian National Authority signed the so-called Fundamental Agreement which calls for a special status for Jerusalem that would be internationally guaranteed. Only this, according to the parties, would ensure legal equality, freedom of religion and conscience for all the inhabitants of the city and all the religious believers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The Fundamental Agreement has become the object of strong criticism of the Israeli government. There were voices advocating the termination of the papal visit preparations. Despite the above, the Pope’s pilgrimage was a success and has contributed to maintaining peace in that region.