17-meter cross catches fire on Catholic Good Friday in Warsaw

The papal cross on fire in Warsaw. Photo: miejskireporter.pl

In the Polish capital, a massive cross installed in front of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church burst into flames on Catholic Good Friday. The fire broke out at around 3:00 p.m. Police quickly sealed off the area around the church, while firefighters began battling the blaze with the help of ladder trucks. By the time emergency crews arrived, the structure was already fully engulfed in flames, a Polish media outlet reported.

According to a preliminary account, the fire may have started because of oil lamps and candles that worshippers had placed in large numbers at the foot of the structure. The day before, on April 2, marked the 21st anniversary of the death of John Paul II, which meant there were far more lights than usual at the base of the cross.

For the people of Warsaw, the monument carries deep symbolic significance. The so-called papal cross was given to the parish from Victory Square, where John Paul II celebrated his first Mass in Poland on June 2, 1979, after his election as pope.

For safety reasons, the scorched metal structure was lowered to the ground. The base of the cross itself was not seriously damaged. Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Polish Church had discussed the prospects for Orthodox religion classes in schools.

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