Vatican News: The installation of the new Primate of the Czech Republic took place in Prague in St. Vitus Cathedral in Hradčany. Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl declared that he will carry out his ministry in the spirit of St. Adalbert. “I come to you as a shepherd,” the new archbishop said on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He emphasized that a shepherd must have a clear vision and know where he is leading the sheep. In 1990-91, he completed his religious formation in Poland, in the novitiate of the Warsaw Province of the Redemptorists in Lubaszowa, near Tuchów, in the Diocese of Tarnów.
Czech President Petr Pavel attended the inauguration of the new Archbishop of Prague’s pastoral ministry. Cardinals Schönborn of Vienna and Német of Belgrade were also present.
Like Saint Adalbert
Archbishop Přibyl revealed in his homily that, since his confirmation in the same Prague cathedral in 1983, Saint Adalbert, the second bishop of Prague, has been a personal source of inspiration for him. From him, he now wishes to draw inspiration as the new archbishop of the Czech capital.
The new Primate of the Czech Republic emphasized that Saint Adalbert is a model for him, above all as a man of steadfast faith, who maintained a deep connection with Christ and, thanks to this, was able to shine a light on those around him. He also recalled his careful formation, which “not only opened the way for him to broaden his horizons, but also enabled him to serve others with the necessary self-confidence and understanding for their needs.”
The Good News and the demands of the Gospel
Archbishop Přibyl recalled that Saint Adalbert knew how to proclaim the good news of a merciful God and, at the same time, clearly present the demands of the Gospel. He fought the slave trade and promoted the Christian vision of marriage. The new Archbishop of Prague stated that in this respect too, he intends to follow in the footsteps of his saintly predecessor.
Announcing Christ and shaping culture
In discussing the various aspects of Saint Adalbert’s rich personality, the new Primate of the Czech Republic paid particular attention to his missionary spirit. He emphasized that today’s missionary terrain is both the Czech Republic and the entire Old Continent. He emphasized that a missionary must always start anew, without being discouraged by failures.
We must be self-confident, but not arrogant, draw inspiration from history, but not let it oppress us like the “good old days.” Our mission is the proclamation of Christ, a living relationship with Him, but also the sowing of the Christian faith in contemporary culture, said Archbishop Přibyl.
The martyr knows what is important
He also emphasized the need to imitate Saint Adalbert in his willingness to be martyred. A martyr is, in fact, a witness who is not afraid to expose himself to danger. He is a man of principle, honest, who knows what is important to him. “We Christians,” said the new Archbishop of Prague, “must be witnesses of Christ. Otherwise, we will not be worthy of our name. This is our reason for being in a secular society.”
Europe needs a soul
In conclusion, Archbishop Přibyl presented Saint Adalbert as a true European. He lived and ministered in several European countries. He is the patron saint not only of the Czechs, but also of the Poles and Hungarians, and is venerated by Germans and Italians. He reminds today’s Europeans that their continent needs a soul. “I am convinced,” said the new Primate of the Czech Republic, “that the return to Europe’s Christian and spiritual roots is not a return to a museum or a distant past, but a descent into the depths.”
Krzysztof Bronk – Vatican/ed.
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Source: vaticannews.va; Photo: Jana Chadimová , gal.clovekavira.cz
