Shock, disbelief, and then tears and questions concerning a meaning of such tragic events – on Saturday and Sunday such emotions accompanied all Polish people. On 10^th April 2010 Poland lost its head of state, members of parliament, commanding officers of all types of the armed forces of Polish Army, priests of the most important Polish Christian faiths (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical) and managers and representatives of key national institutions. In the face of an irreparable loss experienced by our country, the news related to any other events seem to be insignificant and trivial. This unprecedented in the world history, incredibly traumatic event united Polish people who all mourn together, no matter what their political sympathies, age or faith are.

It was no different in Krakow – its residents, despite rain and cold, all Saturday and Sunday were gathering on the Main Square, around Wawel and at the Katyn Cross on St. Idzi Square to light a candle, stop and think, pray… As early as three hours after the plane crashed on the airport in Smolensk, at noon Krakow heard a loud and clear sound of the Royal Sigismund Bell. Like 5 years ago, after the Pope’s death, it announced sad news to the world. All offices in Krakow displayed flags with a pall.

Additionally, on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. in the Wawel Cathedral cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz celebrated a requiem Mass. It was attended by Jacek Majchrowski, the mayor of Krakow, the representatives of the City Council, police, army and about 20 thousand of Krakow residents. The day after the tragedy, on Sunday at noon in Krakow – just like in all other Polish cities – everything froze for 2 minutes. In the accompaniment of bells and sirens Krakow bewailed the victims of the catastrophe.

In the stone foyer of the town hall (pl. Wszystkich Świętych 3-4) there was a book of condolence where all residents of Krakow, till the end of the mourning period, can express their grief and sadness concerning the blow for the Polish nation.