Karnkowski, Stanisław

KARNKOWSKI, STANISLAW. – Primate of Poland, born 10 May 1520, died 18 June 1603. Bishop of Włocławek (Leslau) in 1567, he became Archbishop of Gnesna in 1581 and promoted the Catholic restoration in Poland. He founded seminaries in Włocławek, Kalisch, and Gnesna, which he entrusted to the Jesuits. At his request and with the approval of Gregory XIII, J. Wujek translated the Bible into the Polish language. He supported the election of sovereigns well disposed toward the Catholic Church (Henry of Valois, Stephen Báthory, and Sigismund III Vasa) and, as primate, headed the regency in 1586.