In Krakow, there is no more popular figure than Pope John Paul II. He, along with Lech Walesa, deservedly get a lot of the credit for Poland's independence from Moscow. Of course, John Paul II was also recently made a saint by the current Pope Francis. So, he even gets extra veneration. Every church we've seen so far in Krakow (and most of the Krakow souvenir stands as well) feature portraits of Pope John Paul II.
But here, in the basilica which was his “home” parish when he was Cardinal of Krakow, he gets something special. His portrait is set on an altar, and there's a prayer card with a suggested supplication on the kneeler in front of it. Because John Paul II is now a saint, good Catholics can now pray directly to him for intercession with God.
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Lovely photograph! We’ll be sure to stop in the basilica when we’re in Krakow this fall. Any other “must see” (or eat) tips?
The Basilica of St. Mary on the Main Square is one of the most beautiful churches we’ve seen. In all, Krakow is a lovely town.
This is Corpus Christi Church in Kazimierz and I suppose you meant Wawel Cathedral.
Yes, this is Corpus Christi, also called a Basilica. The comment about St. Mary might have thrown you and other readers off. The previous commenter asked for other recommendations in Krakow, and I said St. Mary. So, thanks for helping me clarify. This is the Basilica of Corpus Christi. St. Mary is another beautiful church. Here are a couple of links that might help clarify: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpus_Christi_Basilica and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Mary's_Basilica,_Krak%C3%B3w. The confusion of the words basilica and cathedral are also common. I know I get mixed up a lot.
I love visiting these site again through your camera eye–Basilica or Cathedral.
I love having the look back, too.
Even though I absolutely loved the Basilica of St. Mary, tucked in its courtyard is the Church of St. Barbara. It is absolutely stunning inside! It would appear to be overlooked, since it is right next to the Basilica, as I was the only person in this church in the afternoon of a June 2013 day. There’s a link: http://www.krakowtraveltours.com/en/travelguide/church-of-st-barbara.
We never saw St. Barbara, I wish I’d known about it. The perils of traveling without a guide book. Next time.