Pontifical University of John Paul II inaugurates 2026/2027 academic year

The Pontifical University of John Paul II inaugurated the 2026/2027 academic year with a solemn Eucharist held on October 16, 2026, at the Saint John Paul II Sanctuary in Kraków. The ceremony coincided with the 48th anniversary of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła's election to the papacy and the 10th anniversary of the sanctuary's consecration.

The Mass was presided over by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, while Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Metropolitan of Kraków and Grand Chancellor of the University, delivered the homily. During his address, Cardinal Ryś emphasized the relationship between truth and freedom, stating, “The goal of truth is not just knowledge, the goal of truth is liberation.”

The event also included the blessing of the university's new campus and was attended by various religious leaders, including Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, as well as the university's rector, Father Professor Robert Tyrała.