On October 26, 2026, the Museum of Polish History in Warsaw hosted a solemn gala commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue (Centrum Myśli Jana Pawła II). The event served as both an official celebration of the institution's achievements and a musical manifesto for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. The evening was highlighted by the third and final concert of the current iteration of the "Da Pacem" cycle, which gathered representatives from cultural, academic, and local government circles.
A Musical Manifesto for Dialogue
The "Da Pacem" concert marked the culmination of this year's "Duch Asyżu" (Spirit of Assisi) project, a Warsaw-based forum dedicated to the idea of peace. The organization of this concert cycle references the 40th anniversary of the historic meeting of representatives of the world's religions, convened by Saint John Paul II in Assisi. On the stage of the Museum of Polish History, artists with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds performed. The program featured, among others, Saili Oak, Dariush Rasouli, soloists from the Match Match Ensemble, the Choir of the John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue, and the Chopin University Modern Ensemble. Their joint performance aimed to present music as a universal language connecting people with different views and traditions.
During the ceremony, a letter from Rafał Trzaskowski, President of the city of Warsaw, was read. It was presented on his behalf by his deputy, Karolina Bober. In delivering this message, it was emphasized that John Paul II was a leader capable of appreciating religious and ideological diversity, serving as a model for contemporary local government. It was also noted that the John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue brings together people of different convictions, aligning with the character of Warsaw as an open and modern city.
Twenty Years of Activity and Scholarship Programs
The John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue is a municipal cultural institution established by a decision of the Council of the city of Warsaw on April 1, 2006. For over two decades, the institution has focused on seeking common values among the capital's residents, organizing debates, workshops, educational projects, and social initiatives. One of the most important and recognizable programs implemented by the Center is the Scholarships of the city of Warsaw named after John Paul II. This program supports students who demonstrate good academic results while facing difficult financial circumstances. Over the past 20 years, thousands of young Warsaw residents have benefited from these scholarships, which have become an opportunity for further development and the realization of life plans.
The institution's activities also include social research, exhibitions, and civic projects aimed at promoting intercultural and intergenerational dialogue. The Center also implements long-term actions, such as the study "Barometer of Values of Warsaw Residents" and educational projects. Throughout the year, it provides podcasts and publishes content on the JP2online.pl portal and in the magazine "Myśl w Centrum."
Anniversary Year Program
The celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue were not limited to the final gala. Throughout the year, numerous events were held dedicated to this anniversary. As part of the jubilee, the exhibition "Karol Wojtyła: Inspiracje" was presented in the Royal Baths, and the public participated in the debate cycle "Porozmawiajmy o człowieku" (Let's Talk About the Human Being). In the summer, Warsaw residents had the opportunity to take part in the film review "Pod Wspólnym Niebem" (Under the Same Sky), and from August 2026, ecological art installations were displayed along the Vistula River. These initiatives complemented regular programs, such as scholarships and meetings with experts, creating a rich cultural offer for the capital's residents.
Decisions
The establishment of the John Paul II Center for Culture and Dialogue by the decision of the Council of the city of Warsaw on April 1, 2006