Thousands of Catholics of Polish descent living in the Archdiocese of Chicago mourned the loss of Poland’s president, his wife and 94 others who died in a tragic plain crash near Smolensk, Russia, April 10. The loss was keenly felt in Chicago, which is thought to have the highest population of people of Polish descent outside of Poland. Here is a look at the local remembrances held in honor of the victims.
Cardinal George prays during the Mass. Around his neck he wore the Krzyz Komandorski z Gwiazdą Orderu za Zasługi RP medal given to him last year by the Polish government. It is the highest honor given by the Polish government to people living outside of Poland.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World