The Museum “Memory and Identity” of St John Paul II in Toruń, co-created by the Lux Veritatis Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MKiDN), was at the centre of a conflict that could jeopardise its continued functioning.
This month, the MKiDN filed a suit against Lux Veritatis Foundation and the museum before the Warsaw territory Court, demanding the cancellation of the agreement to establish this cultural institution. The hotel argues that it operates “in the public interest and transparency of public spending”. The Ministry emphasizes that it finances the current operation of the museum on the basis of an annex to the contract signed in October 2023, granting an yearly grant of PLN 15 million. The museum was inspected by the Chamber of taxation Administration, and the ultimate Chamber of Control and prosecution proceedings are besides ongoing.
The Lux Veritatis Foundation's Management Board evaluates the ministry's activities as an effort to “exterminate the Museum of Memory and Identity” presenting the intellectual heritage of St John Paul II – the most prominent Pole”. The Foundation informs that the MKiDN suit “was based on a lie and contained many errors”. On December 23, 2024, the Warsaw territory Court returned the suit to the Ministry due to “significant shortcomings of this document”.
The current situation makes the future of the museum questionable. The ongoing checks and legal proceedings may affect its continued functioning, and the conflict between the founding members of the institution raises concerns about the preservation of the heritage of St John Paul II.
The Museum “Memory and Identity” of Saint John Paul II is simply a unique institution of culture, which was created from the inspiration of the life and heritage of Pope John Paul II. Its main intent is to commemorate and advance the spiritual, intellectual and social heritage of this unique pope who played a key function in the past of the Catholic Church and influenced many aspects of the modern world.
The thought of creating a museum was born in consequence to large interest and dedication of people around the planet towards the life and teaching of John Paul II. The facility was to be a place where 1 could gather not only objects related to his life and pontificate, but besides convey his message of love, peace, interreligious dialog and the defence of human dignity.
The main mission of the Museum of Memory and Identity is to educate and advance the values promoted by John Paul II. The museum is not only an educational function, but besides a place where various cultural events, thematic exhibitions, conferences and meetings related to the pope's heritage are held.
The museum focuses on presenting various aspects of the life of John Paul II, specified as his pastoral activities, interreligious dialogue, social engagement and his contribution to global policy. There are exhibits specified as individual items of the pope, documents, photographs and multimedia presenting key events from his pontificate.