Still a Key Political Actor? The Catholic Church and Politics in Post-1989 Poland

Aleks Szczerbiak

Europe-Asia Studies, 2025, vol. 77, issue 6, 873-894

Abstract: Catholicism is uniquely linked with Polish national identity. Historically the Church performed both religious and political functions. In the postcommunist period, it is a powerful political actor setting the terms of debate and influencing policymaking. This article looks at how public attitudes towards the Church have developed since the collapse of communism in 1989. It examines the nature, depth and sources of the apparent anti-clerical backlash, and the concomitant process of ‘privatisation’ of religious practice and faith. It considers the most important controversies surrounding the Church, which, commentators argue, have contributed significantly to these processes.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2025.2523025

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