The Diocese of Gliwice (Latin: Glivicen(sis)) is an ecclesiastical territory of the Latin Church under the Catholic Church in Poland. Located in the city of Gliwice, it is a suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Katowice. As of 2013, about 91% of the population in the diocese identifies as Catholic, but only 39% are practicing Catholics.
History
Establishment
The Diocese of Gliwice was officially established on March 25, 1992. It was formed from territories carved out from the Diocese of Częstochowa, the Diocese of Katowice, and the Diocese of Opole.
Demographics
As of the year 2013, the diocese had a population where approximately 91% self-identified as Catholic. However, only about 39% of these were practicing Catholics. This presents an interesting aspect of the diocese’s demographic landscape.
Leadership
Bishops of Gliwice
- Bishop Jan Walenty Wieczorek: Served as the inaugural bishop from March 25, 1992, until his departure on December 29, 2011.
- Bishop Jan Kopiec: Took over the leadership on December 29, 2011, and served until recently.
- Bishop Sławomir Oder: Assumed office on February 11, 2023, and currently serves as the bishop.
Auxiliary Bishops
- Bishop Gerard Kusz: Served as an auxiliary bishop from March 25, 1992, until his departure on November 15, 2014.
- Bishop Andrzej Iwanecki: Has been serving as an auxiliary bishop since January 7, 2018.
