The Roman consistory became the venue for a joint appeal for reconciliation between Poles and Ukrainians. Cardinals from both countries and the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church called for the rejection of hostile language, the cultivation of memory based on truth, and the continuation of the path of reconciliation charted by St. John Paul II.
IN published message, signed by Cardinals Mykola Byczok, Konrad Krajewski, Kazimierz Nycz and Grzegorz Ryś, and Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Galicia Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the hierarchs express their concern about the deteriorating atmosphere in Polish-Ukrainian relations.
“We are pained to observe the growing tensions and resurgent hostility between Poles and Ukrainians. It is even more painful 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,” the authors of the appeal wrote.
A call to “disarm language”
The hierarchs emphasize that their message is inspired by the teachings of Pope Leo XIV, who from the beginning of his pontificate has emphasized the importance of peace and the common good.
The document emphasizes that building reconciliation should begin with changing the way public debate is conducted.
The first step towards peace is to disarm language on both sides. This applies not only to words, but also to gestures, signs, and symbols. These too can hurt, close the path to encounter, and arouse fear,” the appeal reads.
The authors emphasize that the language should be “clear but not demeaning; bold but not aggressive; truthful but not closing the path to forgiveness.”
Return to the message of John Paul II
A significant portion of the document is devoted to recalling the words of St. John Paul II, delivered in 2003 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the tragic events in Volhynia. According to the signatories, these words remain a timely guide for both nations.
The hierarchs recalled the papal appeal for Poles and Ukrainians not to remain “enslaved by the sad memories of the past”, but to build the future “in a new spirit”, looking at each other “with the gaze of reconciliation”.
Memory without hate
The authors emphasize that historical memory is an essential element of national identity, but it cannot lead to the perpetuation of mutual animosity.
Also referring to the teachings of Pope Francis, they remind us of the distinction between “good memory”, which leads to gratitude and reconciliation, and “negative memory”, which focuses solely on the wrongs committed by others.
“Conversion begins with one’s own heart”
The message also included a call for personal responsibility for the reconciliation process.
We are aware that conversion begins with one’s own heart. The Pope calls upon each and every one of us – Poles and Ukrainians – to personal conversion, not to hold others accountable. We can only call others to conversion if we humbly admit our own sins,” the signatories wrote.
Continue the path of reconciliation
The hierarchs recall that Polish-Ukrainian relations have been built over the years through joint prayers, declarations and actions of the Churches, including assistance provided to refugees after the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
At the end of the document, they appeal not to squander this achievement.
There is too much that unites our Nations for us to allow our common heritage to be squandered,” they stressed.
At the same time, they called for thinking in terms of the common good, recalling that, according to the Christian message, “the cure for sin is forgiveness, and the limit set by God against evil is mercy.”
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