Pope Francis greets Solidarity Trade Union at general audience

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday greeted members of Poland’s Independent Self-governing Trade Union Solidarność ("Solidarity"), praising it for its 35-year commitment to the world of labour – “both physical and intellectual” – as well as it work for the protection of the fundamental rights of the person and society.

Founded in 1980, it was the first non-Communist trade union in the countries belonging to the Soviet-dominated Warsaw Pact. The activities of Solidarność helped lead to the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989.

“Be faithful to this commitment, so that political or economic interests do not prevail over the values which constitute the essence of human solidarity,” Pope Francis told them while greeting pilgrims from Poland during his general audience.

“ I commend you and all members of the Union to the protection of your patron, Blessed Father Jerzy Popieluszko” – continued the Holy Father – “and I cordially bless you. Praised be Jesus Christ!”

Blessed Father Jerzy Popieluszko was murdered by agents of the communist regime in 1984 at the age of 37, after speaking out for human rights and religious freedom.  He was Beatified in 2010.