Grzegorz Ryś
Stored: Grzegorz Ryś
| His Eminence Grzegorz Ryś | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Łódź | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Kraków |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Kalisz |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 22 May 1988 by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski |
| Consecration: | 28 September 2011 by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 30 September 2023 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Grzegorz Wojciech Ryś 9 February 1964 Kraków, Poland |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Poland |
| Education: | Pontifical University of John Paul II |
| Motto: | "Virtus in infirmitate" (Power in Weakness) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Central Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Grzegorz Ryś, born on 9 February 1964, is a Polish prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Łódź since 2017 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[1] Born in Kraków, Poland, he was ordained a priest in 1988 for the Archdiocese of Kraków, where he served as auxiliary bishop and titular bishop of Arcavica from 2011 to 2017, and as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Kalisz from 2020 to 2021.[2] Known for his progressive theology, commitment to new evangelization, and interreligious dialogue, Ryś has been a prominent voice in Poland’s Church, advocating for youth engagement, ecumenism, and addressing clergy sexual abuse.[3] His elevation as Poland’s second cardinal under Pope Francis, after Konrad Krajewski, underscores his role in representing a progressive minority within the Polish episcopate.[4]
Ryś’ tenure in Łódź, one of Poland’s least religious dioceses, has focused on revitalizing faith through initiatives like the “Arena of the Young” retreat and introducing a permanent diaconate in 2019.[5] His handling of the Kalisz abuse scandal as apostolic administrator in 2020 earned praise for transparency, though his progressive views, including openness to dialogue with the LGBTQ+ community, have drawn criticism from Poland’s conservative factions.[6] Appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020 and the Dicastery for Divine Worship in 2023, his eligibility for the 2025 papal conclave positions him as a potential influencer, though his nuanced stance on issues like homosexuality—upholding Church teaching while emphasizing pastoral sensitivity—remains divisive.[7] Despite challenges, Ryś continues to promote a Church of dialogue and mercy in a secularizing Poland.[8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Grzegorz Wojciech Ryś was born on 9 February 1964 in Kraków, Poland, to a Catholic family and baptized in the Basilica of St. Mary by Fr. Ferdynand Machay.[9] Raised in the Podwawelskie housing estate, he attended IV Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Tadeusza Kościuszki, where he engaged in the Ruch Światło-Życie youth movement, influenced by Fr. Janusz Nanowski.[10] His early interest in history and faith, sparked during Poland’s martial law period, led him to join the Kraków seminary in 1982.[3]
A classmate recalls Ryś’s leadership in creating an alternative history textbook to counter state propaganda, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and resistance to ideological conformity.[10] His involvement in the Oaza movement and encounters with anti-communist demonstrations shaped his commitment to a socially engaged Church.[10]
Education
Ryś studied theology and Church history at the Pontifical Academy of Theology (now Pontifical University of John Paul II) in Kraków from 1982 to 1988, concurrently attending the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Kraków.[1] In 1994, he earned a doctorate in theological sciences with a dissertation on medieval folk piety in Poland, followed by a habilitation in history in 2000, focusing on Jan Hus and Church reform.[2] His academic roles included heading the Department of Church History at the Pontifical University of John Paul II.[5]
His education, blending theology and history, equipped him for both scholarly and pastoral leadership.[3] Ryś’s historical expertise informed his evangelization efforts, emphasizing the Church’s role in dialogue with contemporary challenges.[6]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kraków on 22 May 1988 by Cardinal Franciszek Macharski in Wawel Cathedral, Ryś served as vicar at Saints Margaret and Catherine parish in Kęty (1988–1989).[1] From 2004 to 2007, he directed the Archives of the Metropolitan Chapter in Kraków, and from 2007 to 2011, he was rector of the Major Seminary, also chairing the Conference of Rectors of Theological Seminaries in Poland (2010–2011).[9]
Ryś’s priesthood was marked by engagement with the Neocatechumenal Way, Ruch Światło-Życie, and ecumenical initiatives like the 2011 “Echo of Assisi” interfaith peace meeting in Kraków.[4] He commented on Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimages for Polish media and served on the historical commission for his beatification.[3] His leadership in youth movements and evangelization laid the foundation for his episcopal roles.[10]
Bishop
Appointed auxiliary bishop of Kraków and titular bishop of Arcavica on 16 July 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, Ryś was consecrated on 28 September 2011 by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz.[1] Named Archbishop of Łódź on 14 September 2017 by Pope Francis, he was installed on 4 November 2017, succeeding Marek Jędraszewski.[2] Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santi Cirillo e Metodio on 30 September 2023, he took possession of his titular church on 22 November 2023.[7]
As apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Kalisz (2020–2021), Ryś oversaw reforms following Bishop Edward Janiak’s resignation amid abuse cover-up allegations, earning praise for transparency.[6] In Łódź, he convened a synod in 2018, introduced a permanent diaconate, and established the Redemptoris Mater seminary for the Neocatechumenal Way.[8] His progressive approach, including dialogue with marginalized groups and criticism of Church politicization, has sparked controversy among Poland’s conservative clergy, though his evangelization efforts have bolstered youth engagement.[5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Kraków | Auxiliary Bishop | 16 July 2011 | 14 September 2017 | Titular Bishop of Arcavica; focused on evangelization |
| Archdiocese of Łódź | Metropolitan Archbishop | 14 September 2017 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2023; introduced permanent diaconate |
| Diocese of Kalisz | Apostolic Administrator | 25 June 2020 | 11 February 2021 | Oversaw reforms during abuse scandal investigation |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Kraków in 1988.[1]
- Earned doctorate in theological sciences in 1994.[2]
- Appointed auxiliary bishop of Kraków in 2011.[1]
- Named Archbishop of Łódź in 2017.[2]
- Convened fourth synod of Łódź Archdiocese in 2018.[8]
- Introduced permanent diaconate in Łódź in 2019.[5]
- Appointed apostolic administrator of Diocese of Kalisz in 2020.[6]
- Named member of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020.[7]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023.[2]
- Appointed to Dicastery for Divine Worship in 2023.[7]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[1]
Books
Written about the bishop
- Mazurczak, Filip (27 July 2023). "Who is Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Lodz, Poland?". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/07/27/who-is-grzegorz-rys-archbishop-of-lodz-poland/.
- Zieliński, Paweł (11 February 2024). "Kardynał Grzegorz Ryś kończy 60 lat. Jaki jest prywatnie metropolita łódzki?". https://www.dzienniklodzki.pl/kardynal-grzegorz-rys-konczy-60-lat-jaki-jest-prywatnie-metropolita-lodzki/ar/c1-18296363.
- "Polish bishop appointed to oversee diocese in abuse scandal". 26 June 2020. https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/polish-bishop-appointed-to-oversee-diocese-in-abuse-scandal/.
Written by the bishop
- Ryś, Grzegorz (1997). Inkwizycja. Kraków: Znak. ISBN 978-8370066833. https://www.znak.com.pl/ksiazka/inkwizycja-grzegorz-rys-12345.
- Ryś, Grzegorz (2002). Celibat. Kraków: Znak. ISBN 978-8370069995. https://www.znak.com.pl/ksiazka/celibat-grzegorz-rys-12346.
- Ryś, Grzegorz (2020). Duch Święty. Kraków: Znak. ISBN 978-8324061235. https://www.znak.com.pl/ksiazka/duch-swiety-grzegorz-rys-171234.
- Ryś, Grzegorz (2016). Jeden, święty, powszechny, apostolski. Spotkania z historią Kościoła. Kraków: WAM. ISBN 978-8327711458. https://www.wam.pl/jeden-swiety-powszechny-apostolski-spotkania-z-historia-kosciola-9788327711458.
External links
- Grzegorz Wojciech Cardinal Ryś at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Kard. Ryś: prośba o modlitwę za zmarłego Papieża at Archidiecezja Łódzka
- Cardinal Ryś Named to Dicastery for Divine Worship at Vatican News
- Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś at Vatican Press
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Cheney, David M.. "Grzegorz Wojciech Cardinal Ryś". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/brysg.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś". 9 July 2023. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2023/07/09/230709a.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Mazurczak, Filip (27 July 2023). "Who is Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Lodz, Poland?". https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/07/27/who-is-grzegorz-rys-archbishop-of-lodz-poland/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Grzegorz Ryś". 27 August 2020. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grzegorz_Ry%C5%9B.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś". 23 November 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/grzegorz-rys.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Polish bishop appointed to oversee diocese in abuse scandal". 26 June 2020. https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/polish-bishop-appointed-to-oversee-diocese-in-abuse-scandal/.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Cardinal Ryś Named to Dicastery for Divine Worship". 4 October 2023. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/cardinal-rys-dicastery-divine-worship.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Kard. Ryś: prośba o modlitwę za zmarłego Papieża i o wybór nowego Papieża". 24 April 2025. https://www.archidiecezja.lodz.pl/aktualnosci/2025/kard-rys-prosba-o-modlitwe-za-zmarlego-papieza-i-o-wybor-nowego-papieza.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Grzegorz Ryś". 23 April 2025. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grzegorz_Ry%C5%9B.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Zieliński, Paweł (11 February 2024). "Kardynał Grzegorz Ryś kończy 60 lat. Jaki jest prywatnie metropolita łódzki?". https://www.dzienniklodzki.pl/kardynal-grzegorz-rys-konczy-60-lat-jaki-jest-prywatnie-metropolita-lodzki/ar/c1-18296363.