Joint Statement Calls for Reconciliation Between Poles and Ukrainians

Cardinals of Polish and Ukrainian descent, gathered for a Consistory in Rome, together with the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, issued an appeal to both nations calling for reconciliation. The joint statement, signed by five church hierarchs, emphasizes the need to “disarm language” amid growing mutual tensions between Poles and Ukrainians, and calls for continuing the path of dialogue begun with the blessing of Saint John Paul II.

In unity with the Holy Father Leo XIV, whose first year of pontificate was marked by persistent work to build peace based on the common good and by resolute opposition to war in all its dimensions, from relations between peoples and conflicts within states to social tensions, we raise our voice as Cardinals gathered in the consistory, originating from Poland and Ukraine, called to bear a special responsibility for the communion of the Church and to support the ministry of the Successor of Saint Peter. We do this together with our brother, the Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halych of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, aware that the question of reconciliation between Poles and Ukrainians concerns not only relations between the two peoples but also the authenticity of our common Christian witness.

Following Pope Leo XIV, we are convinced that the first step towards peace is the disarmament of language. This applies not only to words, but also to gestures, signs and symbols. They can also wound, close the path to encounter and generate fear. The Holy Father recalls that peace is “disarming and disarming,” and the construction of the common good requires evangelical language: clear but not demeaning; courageous but not aggressive; truthful but not closing the path to forgiveness.

It is with pain that we observe the growth of mutual tension and the revival of hostility between Poles and Ukrainians. Even more painful is that this is happening at a time when Ukraine continues to experience the horrors of war, and Poland has shown great solidarity with millions of Ukrainian sisters and brothers in recent years. It is especially painful that this is happening at a time when Ukrainian Catholics are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the historic visit to Ukraine by the Pope, who was Polish.

In this context, we return to the words of the Holy Father John Paul II from his letter on the occasion of the 60th anniversary—as the author himself put it—of the visit that marked a turning point in the relationship between the two nations. The Pope’s message of unity and mutual respect remains a guiding light for the Church and for the people of both countries.

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