Pope Francis has officially appointed Zbigniew Zieliński as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań, following the resignation of Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, announced by the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland on March 19, 2025. Sydney this significant moment coincides with the feast of St. Joseph, a day that also marks the end of Gądecki’s tenure, who, at the age of 75, is retiring in accordance with the Church's regulations regarding age limits for bishops.
Until Zbigniew Zieliński takes canonical possession of the Archdiocese of Poznań—a date that has yet to be confirmed—he will continue to serve as the administrator in Koszalin, a position he has held since March 2022. Zieliński's entrance into the Poznań Archcathedral is scheduled for May 2025, marking an important transition for the archdiocese.
Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, who has been a significant figure in the Polish Catholic Church, reached his retirement age in October 2024. He served as an auxiliary bishop in the Gniezno Archdiocese before being appointed Metropolitan of Poznań in 2002. Gądecki has had a profound influence over the years, notably serving as the chair of the Polish Episcopal Conference from 2014 until early 2024.
Zbigniew Zieliński’s journey in the Catholic Church began in Gdańsk, where he was born on January 14, 1965. He established a robust academic foundation, completing his philosophical and theological studies at the Gdańsk Theological Seminary and was ordained as a priest on May 18, 1991, in Gdańsk. Over the years, he has held various positions, including serving as the vicar in Gdańsk and later as urban priest and director of the Curia. His educational pursuits continued after he obtained a doctorate in social sciences at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, which presented a solid intellectual background for his clerical responsibilities.
Before his current role, Zieliński was appointed as the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Gdańsk in 2015 and transitioned to the bishop of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg in early 2022 after the resignation of Bishop Edward Dajczak. His experience working closely with young people and families within the Church is seen as particularly beneficial as he moves into his new role amidst various challenges faced within the Catholic community.
Upon learning about his new position, Zieliński expressed, "This change is very difficult for me, but I must face the task given by the Holy Father." His emotions reflect a mixture of gratitude and surprise regarding his rapid rise within the Church hierarchy. Zieliński stated that while the appointment was unexpected, he embraces it as a divine task, framed by both spiritual and personal significance.
The role of the Metropolitan of Poznań carries not just local but national importance. The archdiocese itself holds a rich history and is one of the oldest and most influential Catholic jurisdictions in Poland. As Zieliński assumes this prominent position, he is expected to navigate through spiritual and social challenges, notably addressing the declining number of church-goers and relevant social issues faced in contemporary society. His commitment to fostering unity among believers is expected to guide his leadership, echoing his episcopal motto, "Ut unum sint" or "That they may be one."
Moreover, Zieliński's previous involvement with various charitable endeavors and dialogues for ecumenism positions him well to engage with contemporary challenges relating to interfaith relations and social justice causes. As he embarks on this new chapter, the necessity for a church that evolves with the needs of society will likely shape his actions.
In conclusion, Zbigniew Zieliński's appointment as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Poznań signifies a pivotal moment for both him personally and for the archdiocese at large. As the Catholic Church seeks to adapt to modern-day challenges, Zieliński's experience, pastoral approach, and commitment to community will be instrumental in leading the archdiocese forward.
