Poland's Diana Moment

Poland's Diana Moment

Despite the early morning chill, hundreds are lining up outside the presidential palace to sign the book of condolence.  Few in the line speak, lost in their thoughts.

Suddenly the crowd parts and a group of servicemen, bayonets attached to their rifles, march through followed by an official delegation from the Law and Justice Party. They carry a large wreath and somber expressions.

In many places the candles form large crosses on the ground. The smell of candle wax hangs in the air.

Just a short walk from the palace, there is a beautiful Catholic church. It's rather ordinary door hides the dramatic splendour inside. 
This morning every seat is taken. People kneel on the hard floor at the back. Here, and across the country, prayers are said for the president and the others who died in the crash.

The priest tells his congregation that Poland has faced tragedy in the past that has tested the people - perhaps tested them too much - but this is a time for faith and believe that even in the middle of all this pain there is hope.

On the streets, it's a view echoed by one young woman, who tells me there have been many divisions in Poland because of politics, maybe now people will come together and the divisions will be healed.

People hang around the presidential palace, seemingly unsure of what they should do. It seems the country feels the same.

Krzystof Bobinski is a very smart man. I've interviewed him before and so sought his view on how Poland has reacted. 

He tells me: "Poland has never lost a President like this in peace time. It is a shock. It is like our Princess Diana moment. People are reacting spontaneously. 

"The tributes are heartfelt and maybe the political language in the future will reflect this tragedy."

Thousands gather in front of the Presidential Palace. One young woman tells me: "The people of Warsaw have an obligation to come here to mourn. The rest of the country cannot do this."

As midday approaches, sirens sound and bells ring out, but the people fall silent. 

I can't help thinking a full silence would have been more dignified, more appropriate.

Yet the depth of feeling is obvious, the agony is written across the faces of many. This tragedy poses big questions about Poland's future but at the moment it's just trying to cope with the present.