The Małopolska region's John Paul II Veritatis Splendor award, worth roughly EUR 100 000, is now one of the most important and prestigious awards in Poland and in Europe.

​"We reward the deeply humanistic attitudes on which our civilisation is based. We express gratitude for good deeds. We acknowledge people who have found within themselves the superhuman strength to completely and resolutely serve others, sometimes carrying out their mission in extremely difficult conditions. We reward and thank people and institutions that are open to getting to know other people and coexisting with them, in the spirit of the teachings and actions of Saint John Paul II," Marshal Kozłowski said.

Towards the end of 2020, after the mass to close the Małopolska festival at the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II in Kraków, Witold Kozłowski and Archbishop of Kraków, Marek Jędraszewski bestowed this honour on the oldest, largest and most modern hospital in Poland – the Kraków University Hospital.

"All the winners of Veritatis Splendor so far have been absolutely exceptional. However, as a resident of Małopolska and a member of local government, I am particularly proud of the award for the Kraków University Hospital. This excellent team of specialists has saved thousands of lives over the past months," Mr Kozłowski noted.

The John Paul II Veritatis Splendor award, which was granted in such extraordinarily dramatic circumstances, was also intertwined with a historic event for Małopolska's collective identity. At the end of 2020, Pope Francis and the Holy See heeded the requests of the Marshal of Małopolska, the regional government and the church in Kraków and granted St. John Paul II the status of patron saint of Małopolska.

"The patronage of John Paul II of Małopolska is an honour and heritage that is particularly fitting. I strongly believe that the University Hospital, as a recipient of the Veritatis Splendor award, is perfectly in line with the Polish pope's universal message and testimony," Mr Kozłowski continued.

"The Małopolska anti-crisis shield has made us stronger. I hope that the John Paul II Veritatis Splendor award will make us more noble, more sensitive and open to others. We are also entering the new year, 2021, with the hope that the worst is behind us and that the COVID-19 vaccine will allow us all to gradually return to normal soon," he added.