Catholic University of Lublin Rector: The new President of the Episcopate must act strategically

The geopolitical situation, social transformations, climate and economic changes, and the development of new technologies require decisive strategic actions, foresight, but also prudence, responsibility, and fidelity to the Gospel, the Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Fr. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski stresses, referring to Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda's election as President of the Polish Bishops' Conference.

In a congratulatory letter addressed to Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, the Catholic University of Lublin Rector notes that he accepts his election with joy and hope. "I am aware of the enormous challenges you face related to the Church's current situation in the world and Poland," he adds.

Fr. Prof. Kalinowski stresses that the previous activities, experience and commitment of the new President of the Polish Bishops' Conference, guarantee an appropriate methodology for the work of the KEP and "giving direction to the Church in Poland, in unity with the Holy Father Francis and the entire universal Church."

"The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin assures you of its support and readiness to make available its resources and capabilities stemming from the knowledge, experience, and diversity of our academic community," the University's Rector said.
At the same time, Fr. Prof. Kalinowski thanked Metropolitan Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki of Poznań for his ten years of service as head of the Polish Bishops' Conference and congratulated the new deputy President of the Conference, whom the bishops elected.

"It was with joy and hope that I received the news of Your Excellency's election to the honourable and prominent position of President of the Polish Bishops' Conference. I am aware of the enormous challenges you face related to the Church's current situation in the world and Poland. The geopolitical situation, social transformations, climate and economic changes, and the development of new technologies require decisive strategic actions, foresight, but also prudence, responsibility and fidelity to the Gospel. Your Excellency's past activities, experience and commitment guarantee such methodology not only in shaping the work of the Polish Bishops’ Conference but also in giving direction to the Church in Poland, in unity with the Holy Father Francis and the entire universal Church. The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin assures you of its support and readiness to make available its resources and capabilities stemming from our academic community's knowledge, experience and diversity."

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki served as President of the Polish Bishops' Conference for two terms. During the 397th Plenary Meeting of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Gądecki expressed gratitude to all "with whom God has allowed him to meet and experience understanding on their part." He also spoke of the past decade's most difficult and joyful events. These include the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, meetings with victims of paedophilia, and the black marches. Among the good ones, Archbishop Gądecki counted the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees and Poland's aid to Ukraine, the ban on eugenic euthanasia, and the establishment of a Day of Judaism.