A cross in Warsaw’s St. Maximilian Kolbe parish was damaged by fire on April 4th, likely ignited by candles during a memorial for Pope John Paul II.
Cross to Be Rebuilt, Parish Assures
The parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe has announced plans to rebuild the damaged cross. The Archdiocese of Warsaw stated the fire will not disrupt Triduum Paschal services.
Fire Reported Quickly, Damage Limited
The fire was noticed by a parishioner, and firefighters arrived within approximately eight minutes. The fire department extinguished the blaze quickly and professionally, and the metal structure of the cross remains intact.
Cross Site of Historic Papal Mass
The cross, located on Rzymowskiego Street in Warsaw, stood before Pope John Paul II delivered his first mass in Poland on June 2, 1979, at Victory Square (now Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square). It was erected in 1999, constructed with a metal frame covered in wood and sheet metal.
Police Investigate Potential Third-Party Involvement
According to Police Inspector Kamil Sobótka, the likely cause of the fire was candles placed around the cross during the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death. While the possibility of third-party involvement is being investigated, it is currently considered unlikely.