Another individual who left a significant mark on the life of Saint John Paul II has passed away: Wanda Półtawska. Born in 1921, she was a psychiatrist and a long-time friend of Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II. In 2009, she made public the letters she had received from the Pope over the years, and her remarkable biography was published in Italian, authored by Giacomo Galeazzi, the then-Vatican correspondent for “La Stampa.” These letters were a testament to the profound correspondence between Półtawska and Wojtyła over 55 years. Even more poignant is Wanda’s own book, narrating her personal encounters with Karol Wojtyła, who became her spiritual guide and brotherly friend. Their relationship was so close that they referred to each other as brother and sister, sharing memorable camping trips, her illness and miraculous recovery, spiritual reflections, and extensive correspondence. Wanda Półtawska was among those closest to John Paul II, providing counsel and being present at the time of his passing.
Their friendship began soon after World War II and led to collaborative efforts, first in Krakow, where they engaged in cultural and social activities within the diocese, especially aiding families facing challenges. After Karol Wojtyła’s election as Pontiff, their collaboration continued in Rome. Półtawska became a member of the “Pontifical Council for the Family,” a consultant for the “Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers,” and a member of the “Pontifical Academy for Life.”
Despite Wanda’s unconventional personality, their friendship remained free of scandal. She frequently visited Castel Gandolfo with her family, feeling entirely at home even as she strolled down to the chapel in her slippers. Her presence mirrored the family that Wojtyła had tragically lost early in his life.
Their relationship, marked by its beauty and cheerfulness, was further fortified by a miraculous event involving Padre Pio, who cured Wanda of a tumor in 1962. In a letter dated November 17, 1962, Karol Wojtyła reached out to Padre Pio personally, and the miraculous recovery of the woman suffering from cancer was attributed to the prayers of Padre Pio.
The publication of their letters generated some controversy, but the contents revealed a beautiful exchange of spirituality and humanity, underscoring the immeasurable kindness of Karol Wojtyła’s heart, a boundless love that reflected the love of God.
Their friendship traces back to 1939 when Wanda joined the Resistance in Poland and engaged with Catholic student groups. She endured five years in a concentration camp and later shared her experiences in a booklet during the 1980s, titled “Ravensbrück: And I Am Afraid of My Dreams.” Wanda’s survival was aided by the young priest Karol Wojtyła, whom she met upon returning from the concentration camp. She went on to become a psychiatrist, build her family, and actively promote the preservation of Christian values.
Wanda Półtawska’s earthly journey concluded on the evening of October 24, just shy of her 102nd birthday.
Translated and adapted by Jacob Stein.
These article was originally published on Catholic News Agency.
