The idea of mercy initiated by Piotr Skarga, reflected in the Archconfraternity of Mercy, founded in Vilnius in 1583 and moved to Krakow a year later, had a significant influence on the formation, organisation and functioning of the Krakow Charitable Society in 1816. His aim, in line with the ideas of mercy, was to help the poor living on the streets of Krakow, begging at the doors of churches or at the city gates. To this end, a Shelter for the Poor was founded in Krakow in 1830, which became a home not only for the old and crippled but also for poor orphans. The principles of the House of Refuge were based on the tenets of Piotr Skarga’s idea of mercy: the provision of assistance to any poor person who was unable to provide for himself or herself because of illness, disability or old age. Respect for every poor person was obligatory, and the support given to them was seen as a sure path to sal- vation. According to Piotr Skarga’s recommendations, the implementation of works of mercy should take various forms, taking into account specific human needs such as shelter, food, clothing, work, or, in the case of children, proper upbringing and education, in order to save them from the poverty suffered by their parents.

Received 20 January 2025. Revised 21 July 2025. Accepted 13 August 2025. Published online 31 August 2025