Information about the European Championship of Priests
Invitation of His Excellency Archbishop Stanisław Budzik, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lublin, addressed to the participants of the 18th European Championship of Priests
Championship history
The European Championship of Priests in indoor football has its history dating back to 2005, when it was first organized in Austria. Since then, the tournament has been held regularly every year, bringing together national teams of priests from across Europe and combining sporting competition with a fraternal gathering of the clergy.
From 9 to 13 February, the 18th edition of the European Championship of Priests in indoor football will take place in Lublin. The host of the tournament will be the Archdiocese of Lublin, which has undertaken the organization of this prestigious event in the capital of the Lublin region.
It is worth emphasizing that Poland already has experience in hosting such events. In 2011, the European Championship of Priests in indoor football was held in Poland, with the Diocese of Kielce serving as the host.
The tournament in Lublin will feature 18 national teams of priests from European countries, who will compete over several days for the title of European Champion. The event will bring together priests from various parts of Europe, promoting the values of sport, community, and international integration.
Over the course of the 17 editions held so far since 2005, the Polish National Team of Priests has been one of the most successful teams in the history of the championships. Polish priests have won the gold medal and the title of European Champion nine times, claimed the silver medal (runner-up) five times, and finished in third place twice, winning the bronze medal.
During this year’s edition in Lublin, the Polish National Team of Priests will defend the European Champion title won at the 17th European Championship of Priests, which took place in Hungary. This promises a high level of sporting excitement and highlights the exceptional significance of the upcoming tournament.
Justification for the use of the goat motif in the visual identity of the event
Mistrzostw Europy KsiężyThe goat was chosen as the main graphic and promotional motif of the 18th European Championship of Priests in indoor football because it is an integral element of the coat of arms of the City of Lublin and one of the most recognizable symbols of the host city. Its presence in the visual identity of the event highlights the local character of the championship, emphasizes the strong connection between the tournament and Lublin, and promotes the city on the international stage.
The stylized figure of the goat, presented in a sporting context, combines the city’s tradition and symbolism with the ideas of fair play, community, and the joy of bringing together priests from across Europe. This motif will be used consistently in the promotional and informational materials of the event taking place in Lublin from 9 to 13 February 2026.
Results of All Editions of the European Championship of Priests
Championship Gallery from Previous Years
