He was laid to rest at a parish cemetery in his hometown of Sosnowiec, with a ceremonial honour salute, following a funeral Mass attended by politicians from across the spectrum.
Litewka was laid to rest at a cemetery in his hometown, following a state funeral service attended by Poland's top leaders and politicians from across the spectrum. Photo: Grzegorz Jakubowski/KPRP
President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined Litewka's family and friends for the service at St. Joachim's Roman Catholic Church, led by Bishop Artur Ważny.
Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski and parliamentary leaders, including lower-house Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty, also attended the state funeral.
Large crowds gathered outside the church, and applause broke out as Litewka's coffin was carried inside, state news agency PAP reported.
Nawrocki posthumously awarded Litewka the Officer's Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order, one of Poland's highest honours.
After the service, a funeral procession moved to the cemetery where Litewka was buried in a private ceremony.
Litewka was widely known for his charitable work through his foundation, Team Litewka, which supported medical treatment for children, animal welfare initiatives and aid for people in need, including fundraising for rehabilitation equipment and assistance to accident victims.
Relatives asked mourners to forgo flowers and instead perform "acts of kindness" in keeping with Litewka's values, such as supporting charities or animal shelters.
In his homily, Ważny described Litewka as someone who brought empathy and kindness into public life.
"We have come to say farewell to a man who showed that genuine goodness does not need labels, grand slogans or specific party colours," the bishop said.
'He loved people and lived for others'
Speaking after the service, Czarzasty called Litewka "a good man" devoted to helping others.
"He loved people and lived for others—for people and for animals," he said. "He united people and was often a last hope for those in need."
Litewka’s death has prompted tributes from across Poland’s political spectrum, with many highlighting his humanitarian work and personal commitment to helping others.
Elected to parliament in 2023, Litewka won a record number of votes in his constituency despite running from the last place on his party's list.
His campaign banners featured shelter dogs instead of political slogans, an initiative credited with helping hundreds of animals find new homes.
(gs)
Source: TVP Info, IAR, PAP