The Late Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk (1938–2025): Remembrance and Unique Photographs

Last Friday, the funeral of the late Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk was celebrated at Gniezno Cathedral. Called to the Lord on August 20, he is remembered with deep gratitude for his faithful service to the Church in Poland. From 1989 to 2010, he served as Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, and from 2010 to 2014 as Archbishop of Gniezno, Primate of Poland, and member of the Permanent Council of the Polish Bishops’ Conference. Less known, however, is the late Primate’s decisive role in the establishment and development of the John Paul II Vatican Foundation. Without his vision and commitment, the Foundation could not have grown into the vibrant center of memory, culture, and spiritual formation that it is today. We invite you to read the latest article by Rev. Prof. Andrzej Dobrzyński, Director of the Centre for Documentation and Studies of the Pontificate of John Paul II in Rome, entitled “A Witness of Our History”. In this text, the author not only recalls important historical moments but also shares his personal testimony of working alongside Archbishop Kowalczyk. We also encourage you to visit the photo gallery of key moments for our Foundation featuring the late Archbishop: his episcopal ordination, sessions of our Administrative Council, visits to the Polish House of John Paul II in Rome, and celebrations at St. Stanislaus BM Church in Rome. Read the full article and explore the gallery to honor the memory of a remarkable pastor and faithful witness to history.