Pope recalls anniversary of baptism of Poland

April 14, 2016

From April 14 to 16, the Church in Poland is solemnly recalling the 1,050th anniversary of the nation’s baptism. Pope Francis has named Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, as his legate to commemorations in Gniezno and Poznan.

In his letter for the occasion, Poloniam semper fidelem [Poland always faithful], Pope Francis praised Poles’ “fidelity toward the Magisterium of the Church and the Successors of Peter,” the influence of the Church on Polish culture, and the heritage of Polish saints, including Saints Adalbert, Stanislaus, Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Faustina Kowalska, and John Paul II.

Pope Francis also praised Polish clergy and religious, who in the most difficult moments of the nation’s history “faithfully suffered with the people.”

 

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Further information:

• Lettera del Santo Padre al Legato Pontificio per le celebrazioni del 1050° anniversario del “battesimo” della Polonia (Holy See Press Office)
• Cardinal Parolin, papal legate at the celebration of the 1050th "anniversary of the baptism of Poland", 09.04.2016 (Holy See Press Office)