In a bold stand for national sovereignty, Polish President Karol Nawrocki made history as the first sitting president to join the annual pilgrimage of football fans to Poland’s holiest Catholic site, Jasna Góra monastery in Częstochowa. On January 11, 2026, amid chants of “God, honour, fatherland” and red flares, Nawrocki addressed thousands of patriotic supporters, calling for secure borders and a “Poland without illegal immigrants.”
Nawrocki, a former boxer and Lechia Gdańsk fan with right-wing roots, emphasized traditional values during his speech. “We want Poland to be normal, strong, safe, with secure borders and prosperous—without illegal immigrants,” he declared. He praised the fans for resisting “propaganda and ideological fads” in stadiums and credited their courage for his 2025 election victory. Blending patriotism with faith, Nawrocki invoked Christian principles of love, mercy, and openness. He referenced Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, advising fans to “love those who hate you” amid years of media and political attacks labeling them as nationalists or violent.
Critics from the left-leaning ruling coalition, including MP Tomasz Trela of The Left, slammed the event as a gathering of “stadium thugs.” Reports highlighted Nawrocki’s embrace of a hooligan leader with a criminal past, and past pilgrimages have featured controversial chants and symbols. However, Nawrocki has denied any criminal ties, facing no charges despite smears during his campaign.
This event highlights Poland’s cultural divide: conservatives applaud Nawrocki’s defense of borders and faith against unchecked migration, while progressives decry alleged extremism. As Europe grapples with immigration crises, Nawrocki’s message resonates with those prioritizing security, heritage, and common sense.