A long-standing tradition of lighting a cross in memory of Pope John Paul II has once again stirred debate in the Tatra Mountains. The annual tribute, which began in 2005 on the day of the late pontiff’s funeral, took place this year as usual. The glowing cross, visible from Zakopane, drew the attention of both residents and tourists alike.
However, the gesture has come under scrutiny from the Tatra National Park (TPN) authorities. Officials reiterated that the activity was conducted in violation of park regulations, which strictly prohibit access to all trails after dark between 1 March and 30 November.
Despite the symbolic nature of the act, enforcement followed. According to Andrzej Krzeptowski, commander of the TPN guard service, two individuals found on the summit after nightfall were each issued a fine of 500 zlotys.
The incident has reignited discussions around the balance between tradition and environmental protection in one of Poland’s most treasured natural landscapes.
„They were fined for walking on the trail after dark, i.e. against the national park regulations. On the peak of Giewont, they illuminated the cross with battery lamps. They were stopped in the Giewont massif area. Others who were still heading to the top of Giewont before dark were told that they should return. Many of them did indeed turn back, but these two people ignored the ban and were punished,” a TPN guard commander told PAP.
However, the decision to punish those willing to commemorate the late John Paul 2 caused outrage among members of the local community.
“This particular tradition, even compared to walking on the trails on New Year’s Eve, is not so troublesome and harmful to nature, therefore, it should not be banned,” said Piotr Bąk, a councillor for the Tatra district and former district chief.
Some citizens of Zakopane and the Podhale region said they will continue the traditions and collect money to pay fines to the National Park if necessary.
The Tatra Mountains held a special place in the heart of Pope John Paul II. Long before his papacy, as Karol Wojtyła, he was a frequent visitor to the region, often hiking its scenic trails and taking in landmarks such as Morskie Oko and Kalatówki.
His connection to the mountains continued even after he became pope. In 1983, during an official visit to Poland, John Paul II made a memorable stop in the Chochołowska Valley, where he met with Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa, further cementing the Tatras’ place in both his personal history and the national consciousness.
Source: PAP
Photo: @ZbigniewGrniak5
Tomasz Modrzejewski
