Kościół krakowski a Stolica Apostolska we wczesnym średniowieczu

Abstract

The article presents the relations between Cracow Bishopric and the Holy See from the beginnings of the diocese until the mid 13th century, i.e. the canonisation of St. Stanisław. In the early years bishops traveled to Rome as prince’s legates fulfilling his orders. It was considerably late - in the closing years of the 12th century - that the diocesan bishop directly contacted the pope. Until then the relations had been maintained by pope’s legates who had visited Poland’s Church. With the journey of Cracow’s bishop Pełka to Italy and the receiving of Protection Bull for Cracow Bishopric direct contacts between the Bishop of Cracow and the descendant of St. Peter were established. The Protection Bull for Cracow of 1186 sanctioned precedence of the Bishop of Cracow in the Episcopate and gave him full jurisdiction in his diocese. At the end of the 12th century bishops frequently turned to the Holy See for arbitration in disciplinary cases concerning the clergy. This feeling of unity with papacy is very characteristic of Cracow. It is also a proof of high legal culture and education of Cracow’s bishops. Undoubtedly, the turning point in the relationships between Cracow and Rome was the canonisation of St. Stanisław, held in Assisi in 1253. Endeavors to secure the canonisation gave the contacts of Cracow Church with Papacy an entirely different dimension.