PROF. HANNA SUCHOCKA: I CAN REMAIN SILENT IN MANY LANGUAGES

To be an academic lecturer honoured with honorary doctorates from world-renowned universities, an excellent legal expert, Prime Minister of Poland, Minister of Justice, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland - and, on top of that, to have had contact with not one but three popes - such a rich biography could easily fill many volumes. Yet this is precisely the remarkable dossier of Hanna Suchocka, who spoke to the audience gathered in the auditorium of the Faculty of Law and Economics at Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa about her experiences, emphasizing that although diplomatic service is demanding, it is worth striving to fulfil one’s dreams and ambitions.

The meeting with Prof. Hanna Suchocka took place as part of the “Lectures at Długosz” series organised by the staff of the university (April 22, 2026). Given the speaker’s vast achievements and the breadth of topics she could address, the lecture was titled “Ambassador to Three Popes” - allowing a focus on her diplomatic service at the Holy See from 2001 to 2013.

“Unlike politicians, a diplomat does not create policy,” Prof. Suchocka explained at the beginning. “This is a fundamental difference and one of the most important principles guiding a representative of the state in diplomatic service. It is also important to follow other rules. The foremost is the ability to listen and to refrain from making judgments - not only radical ones, but any statements at all. One must know what one is saying. This is not always easy, because we are only humans. However, I can assure you that after years in diplomacy, I have learned to remain silent in many languages…”

During the lecture, Prof. Suchocka discussed the regulation of relations between the Papal States and Italy following 1870, after the unification of Italy. She referred to the unique nature of the Vatican City, which, despite covering only 44 hectares, became the successor of the former Papal State while being located within the capital of Italy. She briefly described the Lateran Treaty and its provisions, and explained the distinct nature of diplomatic missions in Rome - one handling relations with Italy and another accredited to the Holy See. She highlighted the differing expectations and responsibilities associated with serving at a mission to the Holy See.

“The popes strive to influence the fate of the world,” she noted. “They oppose wars, poverty, and suffering. They seek to help migrants. This is why the role of diplomacy continues to grow, along with the expectations placed upon it.” Today, over 180 countries maintain full diplomatic relations with the Vatican, even though their embassies are physically located in Rome.

At the end of the meeting, Prof. Suchocka answered questions from the audience. She recalled the pontificates of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, noting that she had the closest relationship with the Polish Pope, whom she had known even before her diplomatic posting in Rome. She also encouraged students and pupils present (including guests from Traugutt High School) to pursue their dreams.

“The work of a diplomat is difficult and demanding,” she emphasized. “Especially today, in the era of fake news, rapidly developing social media, numerous challenges, and conflicts, one must be able to navigate this environment. Yet it is worth trying, because diplomatic work brings great satisfaction, allows you to meet people, and offers opportunities to gain new skills.”

The meeting concluded with applause, and Acting Rector of the university Prof. Bogusław Przywora thanked the speaker by presenting flowers on behalf of the academic community. The highlight of Prof. Suchocka’s visit was a concert dedicated to her at the Czestochowa Philharmonic.

 
Biography
Hanna Suchocka is one of the most important figures in contemporary Polish history - a lawyer, politician, and diplomat whose knowledge and experience continue to inspire future generations.

She is a graduate of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and also studied in New York, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg. She has been an academic lecturer, including at Georgetown University.

Since 1990, she has been a member, later vice-chair, and honorary chair of the Venice Commission “Democracy through Law.” She is also a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, a UN expert group on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2001), the Club of Madrid, and the World Law Foundation in Madrid. In the 2023/2024 academic year, she held the Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Chair at the University of Gdansk.

She served as Prime Minister of Poland (1992–1993), Minister of Justice (1997–2000), and Ambassador of Poland to the Holy See (2001–2013). She is the author of numerous scholarly works on constitutional law, public law, the organisation of the state, and human and minority rights.