Abstract

New concept of patriotism in the view of John Paul II
Summary
The concept of “patriotism” in general means the attitude of attachment and
love for the homeland and the concern for its good and future. On this subject, Pope
John Paul II devoted much space in his teaching, but he extended the meaning of
the word “patriotism”. There is no doubt that he created a new, original concept of
patriotism. This article is an analysis of the papal statements on this topic and is an
attempt at answering the question of what John Paul II means to refer to patriotism
in three aspects: homeland, the Decalogue and culture. It also allows us to better
understand in what sense the Pope spoke about the theology of the homeland and
why patriotism has a moral value for him.