A large wooden cross, historically linked to Pope John Paul II, burned down in Warsaw’s Mokotów district on Good Friday, prompting a fire response.
Fire Engulfs Wooden Cross in Mokotów
A fire broke out at the parish of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe on Rzymowskiego Street in Warsaw’s Mokotów district, completely consuming a tall wooden cross.
Four fire crews from JRG 9 were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the 17-meter-high, metal-clad wooden structure was already fully ablaze.
Firefighters Contain Blaze, Begin Demolition
Firefighters quickly contained the fire and began demolition work, extinguishing any remaining embers within the structure. Four crews from the State Fire Service Unit No. 9 are involved in the operation.
Candles Suspected as Ignition Source
Preliminary investigations suggest that candles placed at the base of the cross may have ignited the wooden structure, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Historical Significance of the ‘Papal Cross’
The burned structure was known as the ‘Papal Cross,’ originally located at Victory Square, where Pope John Paul II celebrated his first Mass in Poland on June 2, 1979, after being elected Pope. He famously stated, “May your Spirit descend and renew the face of the Earth, this land.”
The cross held particular historical and religious significance for the parish and its faithful. The fire occurred exactly 21 years after the death of John Paul II.
No Injuries Reported
The incident occurred on Good Friday, and no injuries were reported. The exact circumstances of the fire are under investigation.