On 10 June 2025, the University of Rzeszów hosted an event dedicated to Saint John Paul II. The ceremony was organised as part of the initiative entitled “The University of Rzeszów with an Audience with John Paul II.”

A Symbolic Gesture of Remembrance

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial unveiling of a portrait of John Paul II and a series of photographs from the audience, which now adorn the area near the Senate Hall of the University, located at 16 C Tadeusz Rejtan Avenue.

Immediately following the unveiling of the portrait, a scientific seminar entitled “The Teachings of John Paul II for Our Times” took place, during which invited speakers reflected on the relevance of the Pope’s message in the context of contemporary civilisational, ethical and scientific challenges.

We were honoured by the presence of His Excellency Bishop Kazimierz Górny, who blessed the image and the gathered attendees.

Professor Adam Reich, Rector of the University of Rzeszów, opened the ceremony. Reverend Professor Stanisław Zięba delivered a talk entitled “Has Science Buried God?”, addressing the relationship between science and faith in the modern world. Associate Professor Zbigniew Wróblewski from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, explored the limits of science in the context of the question “Will science save mankind?”. Reverend Associate Professor Mirosław Twardowski from the University of Rzeszów, concluded the meeting with a reflection entitled “A Look at the Human Being”, emphasising the need for personalism and deep care for the human person in the thought of the Pope.