John Paul II and the Family—The Role of Authority Figures in the Lives of Young Poles

The modern world, on the one hand, longs for authority figures, and on the other, often rejects them all. The present paper is a scientific reflection on the issue of authority in the context of the person and teachings of John Paul II and the family. Referring to scientific research, the text demonstrates the need for authority figures in society while also giving examples of how these role models are rejected. Over the years, there has also been a visible decline in the percentage of people declaring that John Paul II or the family are their supreme authority. The media and the increase in the number of ‘hip’ celebrities and influencers play an important role in this process. It is often they who take the place of traditional authority figures and values in the public sphere.