Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw

Kazimierz Nycz

(born on 1 February 1950 in Stara Wieś)

Youth and the first years of priesthood

Secondary School graduate of the Maria Skłodowska-Curie in Czechowice-Dziedzice. In 1967 he enrolled at the Archbishop's Seminary in Kraków for priesthood studies. On 20 May 1973 he was ordained priest from the hands of Bishop Julian Groblicki at Kaniów. 1973-1975 a vicar of the parish of St. Elizabeth at Jaworzno, Szczakowa district, then in the parish of St. Margaret at Raciborowice.

Studies in the PAT and KUL

In 1976 he obtained a BA degree in the PAT Faculty of Theology in Cracow; in 1977, focused on doctoral studies in the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL); in 1981, earned a catechetical doctoral dissertation on ‘Implementation of catechetical renewal of the Second Vatican Council in the Archdiocese of Kraków’, written under the direction of Fr. Professor dr hab. Mieczyslaw Majewski.

Ministry

After graduating, he joined the Catechetical Department of the Metropolitan Curia in Kraków and at the same time assisted in pastoral ministry in the Divine Mercy Parish of Skawina; in 1987, Vice-Rector of the Dioceasan Higher Seminary (WSD) in Kraków. In 1999 he received the title of Honorary Citizen of the Town and the District of Skawina. Six consecutive years, also lectured catechetics in the PAT of Kraków.

Auxiliary Bishop of Cracow

On 16 April 1988 [2] appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kraków and Titular Bishop of Villa Regis. As the episcopal motto for his ministry he adopted the use of the words: Ex hominibus, pro hominibus (From the people and for the people); on 4 June 1988, consecrated by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, Archbishop Jerzy Ablewicz, and Archbishop Stanisław Nowak in the Cathedral of the Wawel. 1988-2004, he served as the vicar general of the Archdiocese of Kraków (organized three recent visits of Pope John Paul II in Krakow; during the pilgrimages making himself as a good organizer). From 26 November 1999 the Chairman of the Committee for Catholic Education; his main interest is to seek ways to exploit the opportunities offered by school for catechetical activity and the search for forms of parish catechesis. As chairman of the KEP (Conference of Polish Episcopate) Commission for Education in the center of his activities he put the task of adapting the Polish catechesis to the post-Vatican II catechetical documents of the Church, especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis, and correlate the teaching of religion in the school with the requirements of the reformed school. Under his direction there was developed and, on 20 June 2001, validated by KEP the „Core curriculum of catechism of the Catholic Church in Poland”, the „Catechetical Directory of the Catholic Church in Poland” and the „Program of religious education”.

Bishop of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg

On 9 June 2004 appointed the diocesan bishop of the Koszalin-Pomorska diocese; introduced in the parish (outside school) catechesis in small groups for secondary school students in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; recommended care of young studying people by parish communities; is known for its openness to the clergy, laity, and media. From December 2004, member of the KEP Permanent Council, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, member of the Pastoral Ministry Commision, Council for Social Communications, and the Panel on Social Aspects of the Enthronement of Christ the King).

Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw

On 3 March 2007 appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw. On 1 April 2007, during the Palm Sunday Holy Mass, the Archdiocese of Warsaw was canonically entrusted to him in the Cathedral of Warsaw. On 29 June 2007 he received the pallium from the hands of Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

Ordinary of the Armenian rite faithful

On 9 June 2007, by the decision of the Congregation for Eastern Churches of the Holy See, appointed Ordinary of the Armenian Rite of the Catholic Church in Poland [3] [4]. He replaced Primate of Poland, Cardinal Józef Glemp.

Other dignity rank

On 15 November 2007 became an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus.