John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) is the oldest university in Lublin, founded on July 27, 1918, on the initiative of Father Idzi Radziszewski. Initially named the University of Lublin, the adjective "Catholic" was added in 1928. The university began its operations in the building of the theological seminary and initially comprised four faculties: Theology, Canon Law, Law, and Humanities. During the interwar period, KUL acquired its own building, the Main Building, which remains the university's headquarters to this day. During World War II, the university conducted underground teaching, and after the war, it was the first in Poland to resume its activities. Following the political changes in the 1990s, KUL began rebuilding its resources and received state budget funding. Today, the university has seven faculties and a branch in Stalowa Wola, educating nearly 10,000 students. The campus architecture is distinguished by the Main Building, Collegium Joannis Pauli II, and the modern Collegium Norvidianum. The university actively promotes student life through cultural organizations such as the Academic Film Studio, choirs, and student theaters. KUL hosts various research institutes, including the Institute of Ecumenical Studies and the John Paul II Institute. Interestingly, the university has gained recognition for educating Catholic intellectuals, honored with the "Milito Pro Christo" Medal. In 2018, to mark the 100th anniversary of KUL, the Polish Senate declared the year 2018 as the university's jubilee year.