City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Kraków

by George Weigel, Carrie Gress, Stephen Weigel

“Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II, was a man whose life was the expression of a richly textured and multidimensional soul. The many layers of that soul took on their first, mature form in Kraków.” – George Weigel In this beautifully illustrated spiritual travelogue, New York Times bestselling author George Weigel leads readers through the historic streets of Kraków, Poland, introducing one of the world’s great cities through the life of one of the most influential Catholic leaders of all time. “To follow Karol Wojtyła through Kraków is to follow an itinerary of sanctity while learning the story of a city.” Weigel writes. “Thus, in what follows, the story of Karol Wojtyła, St. John Paul II, and the story of Kraków are interwoven in a chronological pilgrimage through the life of a saint that reveals, at the same time, the dramatic history and majestic culture of a city where a boy grew into a man, priest, a bishop—and an apostle to the world.”  With stunning photographs by Stephen Weigel and notes on the city’s remarkable fabric by Carrie Gress, City of Saints offers an in-depth look at a man and a city that made an indelible impression on the life and thought of the Catholic Church and the 21st century world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic, Religion, Historical, Biography, History, Christian

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

American author and political and social activist. Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Weigel was the Founding President of the James Madison Foundation.

Each summer, Weigel and several other Catholic intellectuals from the United States, Poland, and across Europe conduct the Tertio Millennio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, in which they and an assortment of students from the United States, Poland, and several other emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe discuss Christianity within the context of liberal democracy and capitalism, with the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus being the focal point.

He is a member of the advisory council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Reviews

[Czarny Pies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many GR members I have exhausted my PAL (i.e. pile-à-lire, pile to read) during the Covid 19 lockdown) and am now working the PALs of my family members. I discovered "City of Saints" unread in my son's room. It had been included in his kit at the World Catholic Youth Day of 2016 in Krakow. At first glance it looks like a rapidly thrown together guide for the young pilgrims. However, because I had Weigel's extraordinary two volume biography of John Paul II, I decided to read it anyway.
The actual book is indeed quite sloppy and displays the haste with which it was prepared in every chapter. However, Weigel is a writer of stature. He knows the papacy of Jean Paul II better than any other academic. With the exception of Adam Zamoyski and Anne Applebaum, he knows Polish history better than any other American.
"City of Saints" on one level is a travelogue designed to assist young people housed in hostels or tents to prepare themselves for the sites that they would visit in the morning. However, Weigel had greater ambitions as he explained in an interview with the Catholic blogger Brandon Vogt: " I thought the participants of World Youth Day-2016 deserved a book that was something more than the usual guidebook: something that got you into the texture of the city through the rich texture of John Paul II’s remarkable life. That’s what I’ve tried to provide. "
What Weigel succeeds in doing is to elucidate for the young pilgrim the importance the Catholic doctrine that "Salvation history is world history" (P. 251) and of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Weigel explains: "History" is not the quest for power , understood as my ability to impose my will on you, as the bloody-minded Jacobins of the French Revolution claimed. Nor is "history" the exhaust fumes of economics, as the Marxists and their followers taught. Culture is what drives history over the long haul. And the heart of culture is, as at the beginning of the word "culture", cult, religion: what men and women believe, cherish and worship." (p. 25)
The theme of secular ideologies was of course highly pertinent as the 2016 World Youth Day participants would visit Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi extermination camp 66 kilometres to the west of Krakow in addition to several landmarks dating from the Communist era.
Weigel's second major theme was the Diving Mercy Chaplet: "Divine mercy, radiating from the human heart of the risen Christ, was God's answer to the human wickedness that had made the mid-twentieth century a slaughterhouse, the most lethal period in human history." (P. 20) Again the link to World Youth Day was quite strong in that the young pilgrims all visited the site in the District of Łagiewniki district of Krakow where Sister Faustina spent the last months of her life.
"City of Saints" would have been an excellent work to consult during the World Catholic Youth Day 2016 and those who attended without reading the book ought to do so at some point in the future. Sadly, I see little value in it for those who did not attend.

[Megan Ellery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only wish I had read this before going to Poland and visiting all the places mentioned in the book. But the graces of Poland continue to blossom and unfold in my life and this was a beautiful read to continuously bring me back to my pilgrimage.

Definitely a new and interesting structure to weave a biography of JPII with a guidebook of sorts, which made the structure feel a little clunky for me, but I will literally read anything JPII related right now…you could say I’m obsessed. Love and Responsibility next?

[Klara Rawdanowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love George Wiegel’s style of writing and absolutely loved how he incorporated St John Pul II’s biography with all these places in Kraków and their historical significance. George Wiegel not only knows his facts and has a thorough and detailed knowledge on the topics he writes on, but also knows how to pass that onto the reader in a clear, succinct, interesting and beautiful language!

[Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

City of saints a 7 and a half hour unabridged audiobook.
Full of useful information and details. You would probably need a full week to visit all the places mentioned in Krakow, and much longer the fully take them in.

[Cristina Kiefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting... Learned a lot about Pope John Paul 2 and his hometown

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Weigel is best known for his book Witness to Hope, the definitive biography of the late Pope John Paul II. He has written many other books, including Letters to a Young Catholic and Evangelical Catholicism, but the ones that always pull my interest are the ones on Pope John Paul II. Today, I am going to tell you about one such book - City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Krakow.

City of Saints is a travelogue through the city of Krakow by George Weigel, his son and photographer Stephen Weigel, and Dr. Carrie Gress. The book looks at the famous city through the lens of Pope John Paul II's life. The book begins by briefly mentioning Pope John Paul II's initial entry into Krakow when he was roughly 18. The book then flashes back to his childhood and time as a student. Here we see the city of Wadowice, the neighborhood of Debniki, his time in the Jagiellonian University, and how World War II not only shaped the country of Poland, but was formative in the life of Pope John Paul II's life as well. The other two sections discuss his time as priest, bishop, and pope. It is in these sections that we see Wawel Castle, St. Florian's, and Nowa Huta.

It is always interesting to me to read different perspectives on the life of Pope John Paul II, because for a while, he was the only pope I ever knew of. George Weigel is one of the definitive experts on this saint, and while he has already produced us two great works, this one provides a unique way of looking at his life. I have never been to Poland (maybe one day), but the descriptions in the book paired with the photographs (both color and black and white) provide a vivid portrait of a city and a man so closely tied together. Reading through the words in this book, your mind was transported not only to Krakow but back in time at different points of Pope John Paul II's life. This book was not only an interesting read, but it made me want to visit Poland all the more. If you are interested in travel, Poland, and/or Pope John Paul II, I recommend this book for you.

This book was provided to me for free by Image Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for Catholics traveling to Krakow and the surrounding region who also want to follow in the footsteps of St. John Paul II. I started this book while I was in Krakow, but I didn't get to visit 1/2 of the places mentioned/researched in this book so that has just fueled my desire to go back even more! What an amazing place full of holy people who lived out the Gospel in spite of the terror surrounding them. I also liked how the book wove in JP II's teachings. The maps are great, too--a comprehensive guide for the Catholic pilgrim in Krakow! One minor criticism is that some of the sentences were rather long and run on and required me to reread them due to the clauses in between; this kind of disrupted the flow at times.

[Chuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Because I'm traveling to Krakow in the spring, I wanted to read a book that offered me some information about the city. In this case, the story of Krakow is largely background for a hagiography of John Paul II. While the book fulfilled my purpose to some extent by offering background about important places in Krakow, it is largely intended for devout Catholics who have an unquestioning belief in JPII's holiness. I would not recommend it for anyone like me (a gay man, lapsed) who has even a little bit of skepticism about some of the Pope's actions. My eyes tended to glaze over during the passages about Christian theology.

[Ryan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weigel's book deftly combines the story of one of my heroes with the city we both love. To visit Kraków is to learn about John Paul II. I came to Kraków with a deep respect and admiration for the man. I visited almost every spot Weigel mentions in his book. I came to love Kraków. Exploring the city and its connection to Father Karol deepened my affection for both. I can't wait to explore Kraków again.

[Emma Garber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟

I received this book from George Weigel himself in Krakow, Poland. Reading this book now, brought be back to my Poland Pilgrimage in 2021 with the Sisters of Life. This book takes a deeper dive into the life of Pope John Paul II and it was great getting to really walk in the steps of a great Saint. I truly hope to be able to return to Poland soon because it is such a Catholic and holy place.

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're planning a trip to Krakow or any of the other cities from JPII's childhood, let Weigel be your tour guide. You almost want to read it on the plane ride there to let it just sink into your pores, and then make notes so that when you're there you can reference the book. I wish I had this when I last went. Please God I'll remember to get this for a future trip!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book to plan a "Following the footsteps of St. JPII" during a pilgrimmage tour of Krakow in September 2023. It was very helpful, and what we weren't able to visit, I was able to read about.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful city and interesting book. I had a difficult time with the main author's writing style.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insights for travel to Poland.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Read it in preparation for my trip to Poland. While in Poland, I really felt like I knew the places we were visiting and knew a story about or the significance of that place.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased the book after my trip to Krakow, Poland. After reading it, I hope to travel to Poland again someday. The childhood and life of John Paul II, the Polish natives who have become saints and the geographical descriptions tell a richly woven historical account of deep faith and love.

[Patricia Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against a prequel background to World Youth Day 2016 by a renowned author George Weigel is set the biography of a great saint. I learned so much about St. John Paul the II and I had not read anything about his life story before this book. The black and white photos are amazing surpassed only by the color photos in the center of the book taken by George Weigel's son, Stephen Weigel, while Carrie Gress has provided historical notes.
The book has an unusual format that is linked to maps and history with a personal story as a guide. City of Saints makes me want to visit Poland and see the sites mentioned in the book. The reader can better understand where St John Paul got his ideas of freedom from after being forged in Poland during World War II. I never thought of Poland as a beautiful place or as a vacation destination. But now I know so much more about the history of Poland and its link to saints such as Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska. Pope John Paul the II canonized her in the Jubilee year of 2000. He was responsible for the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. He knew there was much healing needed in the world after World War II and the assaults to human dignity that were perpetrated. George Weigel tells us in City of Saints that "John Paul the II's response to the mystery of evil was to embrace the cross of Christ as a priest of the Catholic Church, spending out his life in defense of the dignity of others."
I would recommend City of Saints for you to discover the life story of St John Paul II, which is inspirational and this book takes you on a journey worth taking through the contemporary history of the Catholic Church. I did know John Paul was an active outdoor person that liked skiing and kayaking but I did not know he was an actor. He used his acting during World War II before becoming a priest to help continue the Polish culture that the Third Reich was trying to extinguish. He was Archbishop of Krakow and his best accomplishment to me is his Theology of the Body. This theological document is rich in the dignity of the human person and what true love looks like between humans and between humans and God.
City of Saints would make a great travel guide of Poland at anytime and is perfect for the upcoming World Youth Day in 2016. I would recommend reading it before you visit Poland, studying the maps included and making a travel plan according to the book of sites to see.

[Karen Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living inside the biblical story and the story of salvation history. That was the desire of Pope John Paul II, according toNew York Times bestselling author George Weigel. In City of Saints, Weigel creates a beautiful spiritual and pictorial travelogue of Krakow, the “city where the twentieth century happened.” (p. 1)

Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, moved to Krakow in 1938 and lived in Krakow for 40 years as a student, actor, laborer, seminarian, poet, playwright, sportsman, member of the Nazi resistance, priest and bishop.

“Poland’s soul had everything to do with Poland’s survival, in Karol Wojtyla’s view. … Poland was a natural invasion route, a battlefield-in-waiting.” (p. 67) Sadly, Krakow became that battlefield as Jews, priests, and university professors were shot or shipped by rail to Dachau or Auschwitz, the first concentration camp in the area.

Through beautiful photographs, readers are transported to the heart of Poland and to the foundation of Pope John Paul II’s story.

Karol Wojtyla valued the intellectual mind, labored in a quarry, carried images of persecution and evil in his memory, and perceived history as His-story “through lenses ground by biblical faith.” (p. 117)

Pope John Paul II was key to the collapse of the European communism. Pope John Paul II spent “Nine Days” in Poland, June 2 through June 10, 1979. In those days, he did not speak about politics, economics or communism. Instead, he “preached and taught a great lesson in national dignity and led a historic reclamation of national identity.” (p. 252)

“You are not who they say you are. Permit me to remind you who you really are. Reclaim that identity – own the truth of it – and you will find tools of resistance they cannot match.” (p. 252)

History, architecture, art, and photographs intersect spirituality in this book. Weigel has even included a Polish Pronunciation guide.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this book since I first heard it existed. I will be going to Kraków in 2016 for World Youth Day and so I almost purchased this book the day before I saw it available on Blogging for Books.

I have been slowly reading up on Kraków in preparation for World Youth Day which is coming up. I have been attempting to learn about the history of Kraków, both political and ecclesiastical. This book definitely fits that bill.

This biography of Pope Saint John Paul II is told through the backdrop of the city of Kraków. Poland’s history is interwoven as historical places are discussed and more of the early life of Karol Wojtyła before he became the Bishop of Rome is discussed.

I really enjoyed learning more about all of the places in and around Kraków which I will likely be seeing this summer. Really, this book is a great preparation for anyone attending World Youth Day in Kraków in 2016.

I don’t want to say too much about this book because I really think that everyone should read it. It doesn’t matter your religious affiliation because this book is not just a Catholic book. This book places the life of Pope Saint John Paul II into the history of Kraków, the history of Poland.

I seriously recommend this book to everyone as a means to better understand the Polish people and Polish existence during World War II and following. It is such a good read in that is places the biography of Karol Wojtiyła into the history of Kraków, his city.

I received this book for free from the publisher via Blogging for Books for review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title nor the content of this review.

This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re planning a trip to Poland, this book might be a must-read guide-book, filled with interesting details, informative photographs, and even directions and maps. If you wish you could travel, the author provides the next best thing, combining travel details with a wealth of background, history, sociology, culture, and faith. And if you’d just like to know more about a famous Pope, where he came from, what he believed and why, and how he made such a difference in the world, City of Saints is surely a must-read.

From family background to social revolution, from right patriotism to sincerely Christian humanism, from Creation to restoration, John Paul’s background and teaching are clearly presented, with wise reference to a wounded culture, Christian reference to the Bible, and fascinating insights into the nature of evil and love. Different histories are presented, of rich and poor, of oppressors ancient and modern, and of a church, teaching and living in faith toward God.
The shaping of cities is juxtaposed with the shaping of saints, together with the invaluable reminder that “Prayer, the work of God within us, is what makes shrines holy.”

George Weigel’s City of Saints invites readers on a pilgrimage to sites both evil and holy around Krakow, and invites our prayers to heal what the world has broken. Much more than a tour guide, and more than a virtual tour, it’s a book to savor and ponder, a trek through history and space, an image of Eucharist and hope, and a powerful gift—most highly recommended.

Disclosure: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeremy Keong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great primer into the thought and life of Pope St. John Paul II, a man who died on the world stage, but who came from very humble beginnings. Author George Weigel does a great job at weaving theological teachings into JP II's life as he lived it out in Krakow and the surrounding areas in Poland. The book will definitely leave you wanting to learn more details about JP II (perhaps picking up Weigel's own full-scale biography on JP II's life, 'Witness to Hope.').

The book's chapters are divided into areas in Krakow in which JP II lived and experienced the world and the Church as lay, priest, bishop, and finally, pope; each chapter is further divided into two parts: the first dedicated to JP II's personal involvement with the area, and the second part dedicated to a more strictly factual historical explanation of major sites in said area.

Only a couple drawbacks to the book: 1) Each chapter is fairly brief, and sometimes I wish more time would've been spent on JP II's personal involvement in an area, and how it related to his developing philosophy and theology; 2) You will relate to the book the most, obviously, if you have actually been to the places that the book describes. Having just come back from Krakow, I have visited the majority of the places described in the book. It was really awesome to read about the places I just visited, with me being able to personally visualize very specific parts of different squares, churches, fields, etc. The places in the book that I hadn't visited, in comparison, felt a little abstract.

Still, a great little book, and definitely worth reading!

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book gets the balance between spiritual exploration & historical/geographical exploration spot on (which it does most of the time), it makes for a sumptuous, contemplative read. But too often there are moments of smug conservative Catholic apologia that simply aren't needed in a book such as this one; it spoils the taste of an otherwise gentle, almost ethereal experience. The concluding chapters don't help matters by transcribing portions of many of John Paul's sermons...portions that are far too long for their own good. There is a great deal here to enjoy, and the irritations don't detract from the overall read. However, a book like Jerry Ellis' "Walking to Canterbury" offers a far more satisfying pilgrimage/history/travelogue combination...and without any moments of uncomfortable judgementalism.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways. As a dedicated armchair traveler, I found "City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Karkow" an absolute delight. George Weigel arranged a magnificent tour of Krakow, Poland. Not only does the reader discover the history of the beautiful architecture of Krakow but also the significance of these locations with respect to the life of Pope John Paul II. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in the history of Poland and the life of Pope John Paul II.

[Janine Brouillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written historical book on John Paul II Kraków. It not only tells of stories of his childhood, pathway to priesthood, bishop, and Pope, it describes the beautiful towns, buildings, sites, and people that impacted his life. A reader is much more able to understand the Pope by understanding the places, people, and events that shaped him into the man he was. The book provides multiple pictures to show the historical items and places that are described in the book.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to tell some of the story of St. Pope John Paul II's life through the places that shaped him on his journey. The book is easy to read, interesting and enjoyable. It has inspired me to visit Poland and could very easily provide the itinerary for all of the places i'd like to visit.

[Annie Nassis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read/listened to this book while I was traveling in Krakow for a pilgrimage. It follows the path of St. John Paul II as grew up, attended university, attended seminary, and was ordained to priesthood. It later continues with his ministry as Archbishop of Krakow and eventually being named as Pope. It does a good job of depicting what it is like in the city.

[Mina Zalnasky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since St. John Paul II is my hero and George Weigel such a distinguished author I had to read this book. Reading about the City of Kraków and the affect on St. John Paul, this book was outstanding. Loved it. A book that one can read over and over again.

[V Forr · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is another excellent novel by George Weigel. Part biography, part history, and part travel guide, this novel explores Krakow through the lens of the city's influence on St. John Paul II. It will inspire you to want to visit Krakow and Poland. Happy reading!

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great companion book to Krakow. The three-star rating is because it was not too special for me, and many of the ideas in it are rehashed things from Weigel's other works. If I was a newcomer to Weigel and Krakow, however, this book would have been rated higher.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating hagiography regardless of what your religious preference is .