Established as an apostolic administration in 1945. Erected by Pope Paul VI on 28 June 1972 by the bull Episcoporum Poloniae coetus as part of the metropolitan archdiocese of Wrocław, and as of 25 March 1992 as part of the metropolitan archdiocese of Katowice. The capital of the diocese is Opole with the Cathedral of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. The patrons of the diocese are St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bl. Ceslaus, presbyter, and Bl. Bronislava, virgin.