A formal request has been submitted to Archbishop Adam Szal, Metropolitan Archbishop of Przemyśl, asking him to initiate an informational process concerning the possible elevation of the late Archbishop Ignacy Tokarczuk to the altars. The document was first revealed by the Polish news portal wAkcji24.pl and was subsequently reported by DAI24.pl. It bears the signatures of 23 clergymen, historians, academics and public figures.
Table of Contents
According to wAkcji24.pl, which was the first media outlet to obtain the document, the request was officially received by the Metropolitan Curia in Przemyśl on September 30, 2026.
The signatories ask Archbishop Adam Szal “to initiate an informational process aimed at the elevation to the altars of the Universal Church of the late Archbishop Ignacy Tokarczuk (1918–2012), the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Przemyśl.”
The story was later reported by DAI24.pl, which also identified wAkcji24.pl as the original source of the news.
The letter itself is dated June 2, 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Rzeszów and Przemyśl and the beatification of Bishop Józef Sebastian Pelczar.
“God – Truth – Eternity”
In their appeal, the signatories argue that Archbishop Tokarczuk’s life, pastoral ministry and personal courage justify taking formal steps toward examining his possible cause for sainthood.
They place particular emphasis on his conduct during communist rule in Poland, when Tokarczuk became known for his uncompromising defense of religious freedom and the rights of the Catholic Church.
The document recalls his episcopal motto, “God – Truth – Eternity,” presenting it as a summary of the principles that guided his priestly and episcopal ministry.
The authors also point to what they describe as his courage, faithfulness to the Church and willingness to accept personal hardship and repression. They additionally stress his practice of poverty, referring to his membership in the Third Order of St. Francis.
Most of those who signed the appeal personally knew Archbishop Tokarczuk, according to the document, while some worked with him on diocesan and pastoral initiatives.
Hundreds of Churches Built Under Communist Rule
A major part of the appeal concerns Tokarczuk’s record as bishop during the communist era.
The signatories note that approximately 400 church and parish buildings were constructed without authorization from the communist authorities during his episcopal ministry.
They also cite the expansion of the parish network, an increase in priestly vocations, reforms of theological education, the construction of an additional seminary building and support for missionary activity.
The document highlights Tokarczuk’s efforts to strengthen Catholic organizations and associations and to expand the religious and social formation of laypeople.
Among the institutions mentioned are the Institute of Higher Religious Culture in Stalowa Wola and the Catholic People’s University in Błażowa. The signatories also point to his support for publishing, cultural and religious events, as well as charitable and social initiatives.
A Prominent Church Figure in Communist Poland
The authors describe Tokarczuk as a determined opponent of moral relativism and as a bishop prepared to defend religious and social principles despite pressure from the communist authorities.
They portray him as one of the most influential members of the Polish episcopate of his era, alongside Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II.
The document also recalls that Tokarczuk was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest state decoration. Wniosek
The appeal quotes a statement written by Tokarczuk on July 23, 1979, in which he declared that while he did not seek suffering, he was prepared even for imprisonment or death if fundamental values were threatened.
Memory of Ignacy Tokarczuk Remains Strong
The signatories also argue that public memory of Archbishop Tokarczuk has remained strong since his retirement in 1993 and his death in 2012.
They cite honorary citizenships granted by Polish towns and municipalities, streets and squares named after him, academic and historical publications devoted to his life, and a monument unveiled in Ustrzyki Dolne in 2022.
According to the letter, Tokarczuk’s tomb in the crypt of Przemyśl Cathedral has also become a destination for individual visitors and organized groups from Poland and abroad.
23 Signatories
The document was signed by 23 people:
Fr. Prof. Józef Wołczański, Fr. Prof. Jarosław Wąsowicz SDB, Fr. Prof. Piotr Steczkowski, Prof. Jan Draus, Prof. Sylwia Galij-Skarbińska, Prof. Mirosław Golon, Dariusz Iwaneczko, Krzysztof Kaczmarski, Mariusz Krzysztofiński, Prof. Jan Majchrowski, Jan Musiał, Prof. Andrzej Nowak, Prof. Wojciech Polak, Karol Polejowski, Prof. Mieczysław Ryba, Andrzej Sznajder, Mateusz Szpytma, Prof. Ryszard Terlecki, journalist Bronisław Wildstein, Prof. Tadeusz Wolsza, Zbigniew K. Wójcik, journalist Krzysztof Wyszkowski and Prof. Jan Żaryn.Wniosek
The submission of the document does not mean that a formal beatification process has already begun. At this stage, it is a request addressed to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Przemyśl to initiate an informational process that, according to the signatories’ intention, could lead to further steps in examining Archbishop Ignacy Tokarczuk’s cause.
The story was first reported by wAkcji24.pl and subsequently covered by DAI24.pl.
Polish NEWS | OPK | Sources: wAkcji24.pl; DAI24.pl | 3.10.2026
