Bishop (Biskup) Franciszek Szczypek

My ancestor Franciszek Szczypek was likely a descendent of the gladiator Maksymilian Szczypek of Rome.  He was one of the earliest bishops of Poland, appointed by Pope John XIII and sent to Poznań at the request of Poland’s first Christian ruler, Duke Mieszko I.  The Duke had agreed to be baptized before he could marry princess Dobrawa of Bohemia who was instrumental in establishing the Church in Poland.

Along the entire four-month journey from Rome, Franciszek was escorted by the Duke’s armed guards through lands filled with wild animals, bandits, and pagans.  It was a dangerous journey, largely done on foot, on horseback, and by ox-cart.

In addition to the armed guards, Franciszek travelled with two of his brothers and their families.