Establishment of the Center

The John Paul II Center “Do not be afraid!” is a project formally inaugurated on January 2, 2006 by Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow. On this date, his Eminence signed the decree establishing the center as a public and church organization governed by the Archdiocese of Krakow.

The underlying concept of the center is to create a living memory of the person as well as the achievements of the first Slavic Pope.

The great heritage left by the Pope from a far country is a source of inspiration for everyone, regardless of race or religion. “We all want to keep him the way he was, with his teachings, his poetry, his sensitivity towards beauty, but first of all, his love for us all and for every human being,” commented Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz.

The name of the center corresponds to the memorable words of the Holy Father spoken at the threshold of his pontificate on October 22, 1978: “Do not be afraid! Open. Open wide the doors for Christ! Open the borders of countries, economic systems, and civilization’s path to His saving power. Do not be afraid!”