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Freedom Collection

Interviews with Vytautas Landsbergis

Interviewed October 31, 2024

First, through the Polish experiment and Polish achievements, supported by John Paul II. But he used to say that Lithuania is in his heart. We know that his grandmother was Lithuanian. He never underlined it, but he used to say, “Lithuania´s here.” [Landsbergis points to his heart.] And he supported us in special ways. An example, when we have been already the under Soviet blockade in the spring of 1990. He sends a wave through the priests traveling to me personal congratulations. He accepted invitations of me and repeated invitations to visit Lithuania.

Of course, he could not do it. The Soviets are still in control of our borders. It continued a year and more. But when it was achievable and when the point came, very important, and Soviet troops left Lithuania. At the end of August of 1993, for four days, the Pope was in Lithuania. But he was a great supporter in general of all people striving for democracy. But Lithuania was a special point to him. He was very helpful when hostile forces tried to stop Lithuania´s course to independence, organizing the animosities between Lithuanians and Poles inside Lithuania, with the Polish minority. The Pope said, “You are Lithuanians of Polish origin, but as citizens, you are Lithuanians.”

Not all of them understand him. So it is worth to say more– much about you know, of the Pope’s greatest role,[which] was to support the spiritual revelation of all nations. He was never permitted to visit Russia. He was permitted to visit Ukraine. It was a great event in Ukraine made before all believers. And of course, for all believers in democracy and freedom. He was, indeed, a great freedom fighter in his own line.