INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

We promoted Polish culture and culinary heritage in the Eternal City during a gathering with members of the diplomatic corps from around the world. The self-government of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie  Voivodeship, together with the Polish Embassy to the Holy See and the authorities of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, co-organized yesterday’s (12 November) ceremonial picnic in Rome on the occasion of Poland’s National Independence Day. Our guests included ambassadors accredited to the Vatican, high-ranking representatives of the Roman Curia, figures from the worlds of culture, science and business, as well as members of the Polish community in Italy.

“I am pleased that here in Rome, where all the world’s roads lead, we can share the joy of our independence among such a great international family of states committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence. At the same time, we express our dissatisfaction with those who—rejecting the highest values—spread war and death among people who want only one thing: the right to self-determination,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his welcome to the gathered guests.

Address by Marshal Piotr Całbecki

Hosting the event alongside Marshal Piotr Całbecki were Poland’s ambassador to the Vatican, Adam Kwiatkowski, and the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Adam Struzik. The music of Chopin filled the air, and guests were served, among other dishes, goose from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship was also represented by the chairwoman of the regional assembly, Elżbieta Piniewska, regional government plenipotentiary Grzegorz Borek, and regional councillors Przemysław Przybylski and Przemysław Ziemecki. Marshal Piotr Całbecki was accompanied by his wife, Dagna Całbecka.

Our delegation also took part yesterday in the papal general audience. In a brief conversation with Pope Leo XIV, we presented our senior policy and its key component—the system of daytime care homes. As a gift to the Holy Father, we offered an album containing messages from seniors benefiting from this form of support.

Today, our delegation attended Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the tomb of St. John Paul II, and afterwards visited the Vatican Library.

On Friday, Marshal Piotr Całbecki and his wife, together with President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska and regional councillors, will attend a formal dinner celebrating National Independence Day, hosted by Poland’s chargé d’affaires in Italy, Ryszard Schnepf. The event will include an address by the leader of our region. During the dinner, we will promote our regional cuisine and local artists—one of the performers will be Mikołaj Hajduczenia and his ensemble.

The visit will conclude with a meeting at the Vatican Observatory, the oldest continuously operating astronomical observatory in the world.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

13 November 2025