Statistics are a summary of hard data and clear figures. On their own, however, they do not explain trends, developments, or changes. They do not reveal why certain indicators suddenly change or whether there is something behind the numbers themselves. Statistics, for example, show that the number of believers in Czechia continues to decline. We discussed this, among other things, with Josef Nuzík, Archbishop of Olomouc and Metropolitan of Moravia.
How do you explain the declining number of believers?
We have been observing the decline in the number of believers for many years, and it reflects a broader change in society’s atmosphere and approach to life and tradition. It is as if the world has somehow lost its balance. What matters most to us, however, is not the numbers themselves. We want to reach the human heart, because when that happens, people remain close to their faith and to God, even in difficult times. So although the overall figures may be declining, I am convinced that faith itself is deepening. I also believe that the involvement of lay people in the life of the Church is becoming deeper. In the past, attention was focused on only a few individuals who mainly took care of organizational matters such as pilgrimages or church maintenance. Today, however, believers make a significant contribution in many different areas. They are actively involved in economic and operational matters, management, and pastoral care.
What is, or what should be, the role of the Church in today’s society?
The role of the Church remains unchanged: we want to stand by people. In the past, however, we were accustomed to offering this mainly at important moments in life – the birth of a child, childhood, adulthood, marriage, illness, or approaching death. Today, we realize that there are many more areas in which the Church can accompany people, and we are gradually seeking to become involved in them. Increasingly, this takes place at the intersection of religious and civic life, whether through concerts, conferences, or traditions that originated in folk culture but into which we continue to bring a spiritual dimension. This also shows that the role of the Church remains the same, even though its form changes. The Church has always supported and promoted culture and education, and we continue to do so today, albeit from a different position.
You often say that because of your faith you are never alone. Nevertheless, do you ever wish, even for a moment, simply to be alone with yourself?
I often feel the need to be alone after a full day, week, or weekend of work. All the more because, in reality, a person is never truly alone. Our civilization is suffering from loneliness and isolation. A person may be surrounded by crowds and still feel unsupported. That is what the words I often quote refer to: the reassurance that no one has to remain truly alone in a way that would diminish them, deprive them of motivation, or take away their joy in life. We are surrounded by constant noise, from which it is good to step away from time to time. At the same time, however, we know that whenever we need support, faith offers it to us.
The same idea is reflected in the title of the book-length interview recently published to mark your jubilee. What can readers learn about Josef Nuzík? Do you feel your story might inspire others?
I would begin with a comparison. When Pope Francis was once asked how he would introduce himself to someone who did not know him, he replied: “I would tell them I am a priest, because I am happy to be a priest.” I completely identify with those words because I, too, am happy to be a priest, even though I now serve as an archbishop. I am happy to be a priest, and I have always felt fulfilled by it. Even after thirty years, despite the many different forms my ministry has taken, I am grateful that I can continue walking alongside people and contributing to their lives as a priest, just as Jesus desired in the Gospel – to be salt and light in their lives. Our age often places the greatest emphasis on those who have received the best education or possess the strongest qualifications. I hope my own story shows that God can also call someone from an ordinary background into His service, and that such a person is equally worthy of that calling. As Josef Nuzík, I would not be particularly significant had God not called me to the priesthood. That is the central message of my story: that a spiritual vocation, a calling from God, possesses immense value. At the same time, I see the book simply as my story – a glimpse into my life – while recognizing that every life contains a similar story. It may not include so many events, but it nevertheless has the power to enrich not only the individual but also the people around them, whether they live in a family, pursue a profession, or serve as a priest or bishop. Everywhere, they can discover that this is precisely what God has called them to do.
Do you regard your role as archbishop as an ordinary job? Has anything about it surprised you?
It is an ordinary job in the sense that it requires time and energy. It brings fatigue, but also joy, and sometimes worries and uncertainty. What surprises me is that, sooner or later, I always find a solution to whatever arrives on the archbishop’s desk. I do not always resolve everything myself or immediately, but often, through cooperation with the people around me, we are able to move things forward or open up a new perspective. That continues to surprise me. What matters most to me is that I do not face any problems alone, not even as an archbishop. I ask for guidance from above. That guidance often reveals itself through conversations with my colleagues or through an idea they bring forward, which I may simply refine a little.
May we conclude our interview in the spirit of your episcopal motto, Evangelium nuntiare?
It is a very powerful phrase from the Holy Scriptures, meaning “To proclaim the joyful message of the Gospel” or “To proclaim the Gospel.” The word evangelium comes from Greek and means “good news.” One can never have too much good news, because it always brings something positive. I also write about this in my new book: sharing good news of every kind is a wonderful principle for everyone, whether they live in a family, spend time with friends, work, or belong to another community. Rather than speaking aimlessly or spreading gossip, it is better to tell one another good things – joyful news – and share what life has brought each of us. In that sense, my episcopal motto is not only biblical and spiritual but also profoundly human: whenever we speak, let our words spread goodness.
CV BOX
Josef Nuzík (born July 25, 1966, in Strání) is the 15th Archbishop of Olomouc, Metropolitan of Moravia, and President of the Czech Bishops’ Conference.
After studying at the Faculty of Theology in Litoměřice and later in Olomouc, he was ordained to the priesthood in June 1995.
He served as a parish vicar, administrator, and parish priest, primarily in parishes throughout the Zlín Region. He also served as Vice-Dean of the Uherský Brod Deanery, Dean of the Vizovice Deanery, and Vice-Rector of the Major Seminary in Olomouc. From July 2009, he served as Vicar General, and between 2022 and 2024 he was Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Olomouc.
He was consecrated as a bishop in October 2017. In February 2024, Pope Francis appointed him the 15th Archbishop of Olomouc and Metropolitan of Moravia. In January 2025, he was elected President of the Czech Bishops’ Conference.
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