Władysław Oporowski

Władysław Oporowski (1395–1453) was a Polish medieval political and religious leader. Deputy Chancellor of Poland (1429–1434), Bishop of Kujawy (1434–1449), archbishop of Gniezno and primate of Poland (1449–1453). It is recognized that he was a much better diplomat and politician than church official.

Biography Władysław Oporowski was born in 1395 as the second son of the voivode of Łęczyca, Mikołaj z Oporowa. His family coat of arms was Sulima.

He studied at the University of Padua and worked in the Royal Chancellery. In 1422 together with Mikołaj Kiczka he represented Poland and the Polish king Władysław Jagiełło in the legal proceedings between Poland and the Teutonic Order before the Holy See in Rome. Such diplomatic service for Jagiełlo, and then his son, Casimir IV Jagiellon, gained him political support from the king; he also received numerous prelate and canon positions.

After the death of archbishop and primate Wincenty Kot, the position was proposed to Zbigniew Oleśnicki, but he refused it.

Oporowski rarely stayed in Gniezno, instead preferring his family seat at Oporów. He died on 11 March 1453 in the Oporów Castle, and was buried in the local church.