6.10.2026
At the Spišská Chapter, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Spišská Diocese, we ceremoniously unveiled and blessed the monumental statue of St. John Paul II. of Carrara marble.
It was an extraordinary moment that combined history, faith, art and the strong legacy of a man who was able to unite people across countries and generations with his words and actions.
Saint John Paul II visited the Spišská Chapter 31 years ago. His visit was indelibly written in the history of this place and still remains in the memory of many people. The idea that he would symbolically return here was all the stronger – through a work that will remind future generations of his personality and message.
When I was introduced to this idea, I knew it was a project that had a deep meaning. That’s why I decided to support and finance the creation of the statue.
The monumental work weighing approximately 15 tons was created by the Czech sculptor Jakub Vlček. In his workshop in Moravia, during months of hard work, a piece of Carrara marble was gradually transformed into an image of the Pope caught in silent prayer.
I consider this moment to be extremely powerful.
We live in a time when we are surrounded daily by a huge amount of information, uncertainty and division. All the more we need the values that John Paul II. during his life he reminded – faith, hope, humanity, courage and the ability to unite people.
Therefore, I do not see the sculpture only as a work of art.
I see her as a symbol of prayer, peace and hope. As a reminder of a man who significantly influenced the modern history of Europe and whose message remains relevant even today.
Its ceremonial unveiling became one of the most significant moments of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Spiš Diocese. Thousands of believers and guests from Slovakia and abroad came to the Spišská Chapter.
A big thank you goes to the author of the statue, Jakub Vlček, who was able to give the Carrara marble not only a form, but above all emotion and spiritual depth.
I believe that the statue of St. John Paul II. will remain at the Spišská Kapitula for many generations to come.
Anyone who stops by it can be reminded of a simple but important idea – that even in uncertain times we must not lose faith, hope and the ability to be closer to each other.
Dr. Jan Telensky
