John Paul II and America
John Paul II's perception of American Catholicism evolved significantly during his papacy. Initially viewing the U.S. Church as wealthy but lacking cultural depth, he later recognized its vitality and potential for renewal. His engagements in America inspired a revitalization of Catholicism and highlighted the importance of religious conviction in public life.
- ▪John Paul II began his papacy with limited experience of the Catholic Church in the United States.
- ▪His first American pilgrimage in 1979 revealed a vibrant Church, particularly among young people.
- ▪Over two decades, he inspired a renewal of evangelically vital Catholicism in America.
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John Paul II and America George Weigel June 3, 2026 Share Article When he was elected bishop of Rome on October 16, 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła had a rather limited experience of the Catholic Church in the United States. He had met American churchmen at the Second Vatican Council, and a few of them visited Poland in the ensuing years. The Cracovian cardinal had made two visits to the United States, one during the national bicentennial in 1976, but the majority of his time during these trips was spent with Polish-American communities. So it’s probably fair to say that John Paul II began his papacy with an impression of American Catholicism not dissimilar from that of other European intellectuals: The U.S.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at First Things.
