Translation of the Rector's appeal:

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After a year of isolation at work and study, the academic community of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow returned to the walls of the university. Although the classes are held in a hybrid mode, the joy of having the opportunity to meet your colleagues, lecturers or employees of the administration and the library "face to face" has been and remains the most important good.

However, the SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic persists. Both in the university and the wider public space, the number of infected, sick and, unfortunately, dying people is increasing, which poses a real threat of returning to full distance learning.

For the sake of health and life, appropriate safety procedures have been implemented at our University to limit the possibility of spreading the virus. Unfortunately, despite repeated requests, they are not respected by everyone. Moreover, there are cases of their open boycotts.

Meanwhile, the observance of the Distance - Disinfection - Mask principle does not limit anyone's freedom, but should be accepted indisputably. Wearing masks during a pandemic is an expression of solidarity with those who are physically weaker, less resilient, the elderly, suffering from chronic diseases and may not survive the infection.

At the Pontifical University, we pass on not only knowledge, but also care for people and the principles of proper social coexistence. Within the walls of our University, the law should be respected and the other person should be respected.

"None of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself" (Rom 14: 7).

These words from the Letter to the Romans most accurately reflect the life vocation, the life mission of each of us. Because we do not live for ourselves, we are not lonely islands ... we are and we live in a community: family, friends, close and distant ... a Christian family and a human family. And it is the sense of responsibility for oneself and for others that should influence our attitudes.

I am asking you to follow the safety rules, and with a sense of responsibility I encourage everyone who has not yet done it to vaccinate.

Above all, I wish the entire academic community of UPJPIA health and joy that we are, we can meet, gain knowledge, and pursue our future professional and life plans.

ks. prof. dr hab. Robert Tyrała
rector