The History Hour A papal visit and German reunification
9 snips
Mar 28, 2026 Paulina Guzik, OSV News international editor who tracks Pope John Paul II's travels and influence. Michael Jarka, Polish‑New Zealander performer who danced at the 1986 Auckland mass for the pope. They discuss the papal visit to New Zealand and John Paul II's global mission. Short, vivid recollections of performances, symbolism and the pope's impact on peaceful political change.
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Polish Dancers Close To Pope John Paul II
- Michael Jarka danced in traditional Krakowiak and Polonaise costumes yards from Pope John Paul II during the 1986 Auckland open-air Mass.
- The Pope stopped, smiled and said the performance was "beautiful, lovely," which Michael recalls as deeply spiritual and culturally unifying.
How John Paul II Sparked Peaceful Political Change
- Paulina Guzik argues John Paul II's global travels combined evangelism with political influence, inspiring peaceful movements like Solidarity in Poland.
- His 1979 Warsaw Mass "Do not be afraid" publicly urged Poles to peaceful change, helping spark democratic momentum.
The Night The Wall Opened By Mistake
- Joachim Bitterlich recounts the chaotic night of 9 November 1989 when mistaken announcements led East German guards to open checkpoints and crowds poured through.
- Kohl was in Poland and only learned via frantic calls and TV images before mobilising a political response from Bonn.