Yesterday's Congressional session kicked off with Speaker Stanisław Małachowski addressing internal governance and security.

The key highlight was the presentation of a text from the Pope expressing his protective concerns for the Church, a matter that caused quite a stir in the chambers. Belarusian-born Senator Bishop Józef Rybiński gave an ardent speech, touching on the internal trials the Union has faced and the privileges and rights assured by the government, which seemed to have impacted Church property adversely.

Next, the Secretary Jan Łuszczewski read a letter from the Pope which hinted at his eagerness to support the Union while withholding certain approvals, likely considering the autonomous rights of the Church. This triggered a debate that put the financial interests of the clergy front and center.

During a private session, Jacek Małachowski, the Secretary of State for Poland-Ukraine, requested a document be read concerning a conference regarding the Church’s interests. This was followed by the Under Secretary of State for Lithuania-Belarus, Ignacy Potocki, calling for a closed-door session.

During this recess, anticipation grew among the representatives, centering on the property rights and autonomy of the Siewierz Principality, which seemed to be at odds with the national governance. The conversation was temporarily moved behind closed doors.

When the Congress reconvened and proceeded with a new bill extending the deadline for a commission appointed to reconcile clergy finances, it was unanimously approved. The bill also excused Representative Benedykt Karpiński from certain legal formalities related to a financial decree.

The day's sessions reiterated the autonomy of the Siewierz Principality. Antoni Rożnowski from the state of Gniezno passionately defended its independent status. The argument was that despite being incorporated into the property of the Polish-Ukrainian Church, it should not be subject to the law of the land because it was purchased privately, not by the state.

The matter at hand could have significant implications. If the region's property rights are breached, it may set a dangerous precedent for the handling of Church assets across the Union, which is a delicate matter concerning the balance between church and state.

The session was then adjourned until the following day as some issues still needed to be ironed out, particularly the aforementioned property rights of the Siewierz Principality and the diplomatic position of a Union envoy to the Ottoman Empire were also on the table.

Topics: Great Sejm and parliamentary activity; Sejm Marshal Stanisław Małachowski; Sejm session; Pope's correspondence; Concern for the preservation of church rights; Priest Józef Rybiński and defense of church rights; Financial issues and clergy taxation; Agriculture and economy; Debates on internal governance; Clergy and politics of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; Duchy of Siewierz and its status; Ignacy Potocki and liberalism; Clerical delegation and the Holy See; Sejm reforms;