Abstract

The aim of the paper is to focus upon the life of primate Józef Glemp (1929-2013) within the canon law perspective. The analytical question concerns the relationship between the function of primate in the Catholic church in Poland and the responsibilities of a diocesan bishop. Within the historical example of primate Józef Glemp, the evolution of primate’s competences is examined and the list of obligations of a diocesan bishop is presented. The institution of visits ad limina Apostolorum is characterized, with the primary aim of safeguarding the unity within the College of Bishops and the Pope. The canon law requirement to prepare the report on the state of a diocese may also serve as an instrument for regular communication between bishops and the Roman Curia, for receiving necessary pastoral advise or assistance and for monitoring bishops’ pastoral performance. The suggested proposal is to make those reports open and accessible for public documents (and published on the web-sites of respective dioceses). This mechanism may be regarded as a tool conducive for strengthening apostolic zeal of diocesan bishops and promoting public debate upon the practice of Christian faith in the contemporary world, enabling the inhabitants of a diocese to get involved in the religious practices and projects there. In this sense universal call to holiness may be supplemented with universal call to responsibility, both on a personal and community level.