The history of Poles living in Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to the second half of the 19th century. In 1914 their number was approximately 114,000. The emergence of the Yugoslav state significantly changed their situation. In 1938, only 20,000 Poles lived in Yugoslavia. The article describes the living and working conditions of Polish emigrants, the forms of their social activity (organizations, education system), and the important role of pastoral and cultural work of Poles. The priests working there also dealt with relations between Poles and other religious and ethnic groups. The author presents Polish priests, their activities and the difficulties they encountered. At the same time, the special role of the Polish pastor is emphasized, who had to be a translator, advisor, mediator in the event of disputes, defender against exploitation and injustice, representative before local authorities, builder, educator, animator of organizational life and, finally, a symbol of bonds with the homeland.