Wincenty Niałek

[1][2] He was born in the town of Czarnków to a noble family, the Jeleniów-Niałków whose lands were located on the Obra river border between the Polish principalities of Wielkopolska and Silesia.

It was only during the reign of his predecessor archbishop Henry Kietlicz that strict observance of clergy celibacy was enforced.

From 1208 held the office of chancellor at the court of Władysław III Spindleshanks the Duke of Wielkopolska and supported his policies.

In retaliation Archbishop Henryk was forced into exile, finding the protection of Wladyslaw's rival, Henry the Bearded of Silesia.

[5] Support of Wawrzyniec/Lawrence, Bishop of Wrocław, two papal legates, and dukes Henry the Bearded and Wladyslaw Laskonogiego caused the pope on 5 October 1220 to select Wincenty as archbishop.