Kościelny ośrodek akademicki w Krakowie w wizji i działaniu Karola Wojtyły (1959–1978)

Abstract

While analysing activities of Bishop, Archbishop and Cardinal Karol Wojtyła that were supposed to neutralize communists’ plans concerning liquidation, or at least reducing church scientific community in Cracow, one can clearly see how the actions were taken simultaneously. On one hand, as Auxiliary Bishop, the administrator and Cracow Bishop Karol Wojtyła endeavoured to strengthen Cracow theological community. On the other hand, as the chairman of the Committee of the Learning of the Episcopate of Poland he tried to solve the issue of higher education of clergymen in Poland comprehensively. He tried to convince bishops of the importance of the problem. At the same time he was playing a specific game with the authorities as he wanted departments to gain civilian recognition. He also wanted clergymen seminars to be given the status of colleges.The actions are amazing because of a few reasons; the problems presented were justified and clear, the far-reaching plans were realized with the method of small steps.He tried to do everything he could in every single case. He initiated work, confronted his own ideas and projects with trusted co-workers. He looked for allies, he controlled if undertaken tasks were carried out. He admonished those who either lingered, in his opinion, or worked too slowly.He searched for new ways of realizing plans when he came across unforeseeable obstacle or resistance which was difficult to overcome at that time. He never surrendered to pressure of impossibility and discouragement.In 1962–1978, as the Great Chancellor of Divinity which worked outside the structure of higher education system acknowledged by the country, Karol Wojtyła led to set in order legal bases of functioning of the faculty by Holy See; all academic authorizations were obtained (the ones which were used). He inspired and accepted the reform of studies in a conciliar spirit. He led to enlargement of a number of lecturers. He kept reminding about the duty of the publication and scientific exchange both with domestic and foreign scientific centres. All the actions opened a way to create a college consisting of a few departments. The college which originated from one department. Before he was chosen the Pope the college was given a permission to open Department of Philosophy. At the same time work to create an independent institute of history of the Church started.