On Monday, April 27, 2026, Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński met with residents and members of the faithful at the Pedagogical Voivodeship Library in Kielce, Poland where a well-attended author event titled “Tu es Petrus” brought together clergy, academics, and the public.
The Latin title, drawn from the Gospel of Matthew 16:18, translates into English as “You are Peter,” words spoken by Jesus Christ to Saint Peter in a passage traditionally rendered as “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” In Catholic teaching, the phrase is understood as establishing Peter’s foundational role in the Church and is frequently cited in discussions of ecclesial authority, including by Pope John Paul II.
The meeting focused on Archbishop Jagodziński’s literary work and his experience in Vatican diplomacy. He described writing as a personal discipline rather than a formal obligation, explaining that he records his experiences as a way to reflect and to rest from the demands of his work. At the same time, he emphasised the technical care required in writing, including attention to terminology, correct spelling of names, and stylistic clarity, particularly because his daily work is conducted largely in languages other than Polish.
His interest in writing began before his service in Africa. One of his earlier works was devoted to Alojzije Stepinac, written following his time in Croatia. Over the years, his publications have drawn on pastoral experience, travel, and direct encounters with different cultures. He is the author of numerous books, including In the West and South of Africa, Akwaaba in Ghana Means Welcome, On the Peripheries of Europe, and Stories from India and Nepal. Two further publications are currently in print, one covering events from 2025 and another on Blessed Benedict Daswa, a South African teacher and layman killed in 1990 whose death is recognised by the Catholic Church as martyrdom. Both are expected to be released at the end of June 2026.
Archbishop Jagodziński has served in Vatican diplomacy since 2001, and his role as Apostolic Nuncio involves representing the Holy See while supporting the local Church in the countries to which he is assigned. During the meeting, his work was described as requiring both organisational responsibility and direct engagement with people. Jan Piotrowski noted that such service involves encounters with individuals in varied cultural contexts and cited Irenaeus of Lyon, who stated that “the glory of God is a living human being.” He also referred to the teaching of Pope John Paul II that every culture is worthy of the Gospel.
The Archbishop’s profile was presented by Ewa Kucharska, who linked his literary activity to both his diplomatic mission and priestly experience, noting that his books present the life of the Church alongside observations of culture and daily life. Stefan Radziszewski added that his approach is based on engaging with others and understanding different perspectives. “In my mission, my task is to build unity and to serve the people of the countries to which I am sent,” Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński said.
Born on January 1, 1969, in Małogoszcz, he studied at the Major Seminary in Kielce and at the Polish Seminary in Paris. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1995, consecrated as a bishop on July 18, 2020, and has combined diplomatic service with literary work for over two decades.
With new publications forthcoming and ongoing diplomatic responsibilities, Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński continues to combine writing and service. The meeting in Kielce concluded with questions from the audience, focusing on the practical realities of ministry, cultural diversity, and the role of the Church in different societies. In bringing together his experience as a diplomat and author, Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński presented a body of work grounded in observation, documentation, and engagement with people across regions and cultures.
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