Pilgrimage and Religious Freedom: Integration and Tensions

Pilgrimage as a unique form of movement—both physical and spiritual—symbolizes a journey toward the source of values, order, the search for meaning, and the integration of a community in spiritual unity. In this sense, pilgrimages often unite local communities, strengthen social bonds, and constitute an affirmation of religious freedom understood as the right to publicly profess one's faith.

At the same time, the intense dynamism of pilgrimage—materially, logistically, symbolically, and religiously—can generate various tensions. It happens that pilgrims, carrying with them daily worries and spiritual struggles, enter public space in a way that contrasts with the rhythm of life of local residents. Examples include temporary traffic disruptions, noise disturbances, or overloading local infrastructure.

Tensions were revealed, among other places, in Toruń in 2024, when the official involvement of the city authorities in the start of a pilgrimage to Częstochowa was met with criticism from part of the public¹. Outrage was caused by the presence of Vice-Mayor Rafał Pietrucień walking alongside Bishop Wiesław Śmigiel at the head of the pilgrimage, as documented on the official profile of the City Hall. Critics raised arguments about the violation of the principle of state ideological neutrality and the inappropriateness of such symbolism in the context of political expectations for the secularity of public institutions.

It is worth looking at the situation from a different perspective. The presence of a representative of local government authorities at a religious event does not necessarily mean the politicization of religion. In many cases, it is an expression of respect for residents and guests—people who are pilgrimaging as part of the local community, often representing diverse backgrounds, generations, and worldviews. Pilgrimage is not only a traditional Catholic practice—increasingly, it is participated in by seekers, the spiritually unaffiliated, or even representatives of other denominations. An example is the Camino de Santiago, where religiosity takes diverse forms—from a meditative walk to an act of internal search for meaning.

Similarly one-sided are the online comments criticizing pilgrimages:

“Driving a car at 5 km/h behind a pilgrimage… singing through a megaphone at 4 a.m… the amount of trash they leave behind.”

Although such voices express emotions, they can be hurtful and biased. They reduce a complex, communal, and spiritual phenomenon to mere nuisance, ignoring the constitutional right to publicly express beliefs and the cultural dimension of pilgrimage. Religious manifestations in public space are part of social life—similar to parades, memorial marches, or sporting events—and as such, they require mutual understanding and respect for the diversity of civic attitudes.

Pilgrims often return from the journey spiritually renewed and more open to others. Their testimonies frequently mention experiences of quieting down, reflection, and rethinking their own attitudes. Their personal transformation has a positive impact on local communities—stimulating greater empathy, dialogue, and spiritual revival even outside religious circles.

Religious Freedom Laboratory Team