Murder of Jerzy Popiełuszko
Though Poland was occupied by the Soviet Red Army since 1944, the Catholic Church remained a powerful element in society. When discontented workers at the Lenin shipyard in Gdansk formed the Solidarity trade union, priest Jerzy Popiełuszko joined the movement. He became famous for his uncompromising anti-communist sermons (sermons which were recorded and broadcast into Poland by Radio Free Europe), his participation in strikes, and his exhortations to the Polish people to protest against their government.
Popiełuszko was arrested in 1983 but was released after pressure from the Church secured him an amnesty. The Security Police then determined that it would be best to eliminate him altogether. On October 19, 1984 he was ambushed by three members of the secret police, beaten to death, and his body dropped into the river. The discovery of his body outraged public opinion in Poland and abroad and helped to inspire continued Solidarity protests. When the Communist regime fell, his murderers were placed on trial and convicted.
The Catholic Church has beatified Popiełuszko and his supporters are confident that he will soon be canonized and become Saint Jerzy Popiełuszko.