October 19 marked 38 years since Popiełuszko, a staunch supporter of Poland’s Solidarity freedom movement, was brutally murdered at the age of 37.
Morawiecki said on Wednesday that Popiełuszko "embodied the essence and ideals of Solidarity" and contributed to his country's victory over communism more than three decades ago.
"It is our pride and honour to be able to fulfill his legacy," Morawiecki said after laying a wreath at Popiełuszko's grave in Warsaw. He described the murdered priest as "a fragile man who challenged the communist empire."
"And although the empire was big and strong, his perseverance contributed to our victory, helping us regain our freedom and independence," Morawiecki told reporters.
Popiełuszko strongly supported Poland’s Solidarity trade union in the 1980s, serving as chaplain to workers at a Warsaw steel mill in 1980 and 1981.
During martial law, he celebrated monthly "Masses for the Homeland" that attracted tens of thousands of people.
In his homilies, he condemned violations of human rights and called for freedom and dignity for working people.
On October 19, 1984, he was abducted, then tortured and murdered by communist secret police officers. He has since been recognised as a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church and was beatified on June 6, 2010.
Jerzy Popiełuszko, pictured in 1983. Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Rogiński
Popiełuszko’s grave in Warsaw has drawn millions of pilgrims from Poland and beyond.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has said that Popiełuszko was a key figure in modern Polish history and that his death was a defining moment on his country’s road to freedom from communist oppression.
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Source: IAR, PAP