“Pope Francis has always taught us, above all, about solidarity and empathy – and these are things without which it’s hard to imagine not only faith, but also politics,” said Rafał Trzaskowski, Deputy Leader of the Civic Platform (PO), during a meeting with residents of Czeladź. Right after speaking about the teachings of the Holy Father, who passed away on Monday, he went on to explain how well he applies those values in his own life.
Pope Francis died Monday morning. The cause of death was a stroke and irreversible cardiac collapse. The dramatic news shook believers across the globe and – as it turns out – quickly made its way into the election campaign. This was thanks to Civic Platform candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
The Mayor of Warsaw spoke about the Pope’s passing on Tuesday during a campaign event in Czeladź. “We were all, of course, deeply saddened yesterday by the news that reached us about the Pope’s death, and it’s worth taking a moment now to talk about values,” he began.
The Civic Platform deputy leader stated that “Pope Francis always taught us primarily about solidarity and empathy – and these are things without which it is difficult to imagine not only faith, but also politics.”
“[…] Politics without values, without solidarity, without empathy often becomes an empty ideology, and our daily actions are a testament to that. That’s why I’m glad to see so many mayors here from towns and cities across the Zagłębie and Silesia regions. It’s essential to show empathy and help those who, at a given moment, are being attacked, those who at a given moment are weaker,” he said.
He then began to speak about how well he has followed Pope Francis’s teachings. “Over the past few years, I stood on the barricades defending exactly those who were being attacked. We did it together with friends – many of whom greeted me here today – and it’s important to remember that, because it’s hard. You have to bear witness through your actions. And we did that,” he emphasized.
“When teachers were attacked, we defended teachers. When junior doctors were attacked, we defended junior doctors. When sexual minorities were attacked, we defended sexual minorities – because we cannot accept being constantly divided and constantly attacked,” he claimed.
Trzaskowski’s speech didn’t go unnoticed online. Many internet users pointed out that the Warsaw mayor is using a tragedy for political purposes. Others reminded people that his so-called “empathy” was on full display during the farmers’ protest, when police used tear gas on peaceful demonstrators.