On September 14, 1947, Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Roman Catholic priest and chaplain of the Warsaw-based “Solidarity” movement, was born. A defender of human rights in communist Poland, he became a symbol of resistance against oppression. Popiełuszko’s life was guided by the biblical principle: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). His unwavering commitment to this ideal made him a beacon of hope and defiance in a dark chapter of Polish history.
The Murder of Jerzy Popiełuszko: A Martyr for Justice in Communist Poland
Popiełuszko’s efforts to protect the rights of workers and promote justice made him a target of the authoritarian regime. On October 19, 1984, he was kidnapped and brutally murdered by agents of the Security Service (Służba Bezpieczeństwa), the secret police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After being beaten, bound, and thrown into the Vistula Water Reservoir near Włocławek, his lifeless body was recovered on October 30, 1984. The assassination shocked the nation, igniting outrage and sorrow across Poland.
The murderers—Captain Grzegorz Piotrowski, Leszek Pękala, Waldemar Chmielewski, and their superior, Colonel Adam Pietruszka—were swiftly brought to trial and convicted for their role in the crime.
The Enduring Legacy of Jerzy Popiełuszko: Honored as a Martyr and National Hero
In the years following his tragic death, Popiełuszko’s legacy only grew. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest honor, in 2009. Recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church, he was beatified on June 6, 2010, in a ceremony led by Archbishop Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.