Pope Dedicates University Library
in Warsaw
As part of a historic 13-day visit to his native Poland, Pope John Paul II dedicated and blessed the new library building at the University of Warsaw June 11. The Vatican Information Service reported that he was welcomed by the cardinal primate; the university’s rector, senate, and professors; the minister of education; and members of the Polish Academy of Science.
“A library is an institution which by its very existence bears witness to the development of culture,” the pontiff said. “It is my hope that this library will become the place where those who profit from its rich resources recognize and satisfy the noble passion of the quest for truth.” The pope observed that “in this place which gathers together the fruits of man’s creative work, it is right that we look to God filled with thanksgiving.”
The university houses 2.5 million volumes and dates back to 1817. A computerized cataloging system of its holdings is underway and will allow online consultation in Polish and English.
Posted June 21, 1999.
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