Ukrainian and Polish bishops jointly appeal for reconciliation and forgiveness amid historical dispute

A group of senior Polish and Ukrainian church leaders has issued a joint appeal calling for reconciliation and forgiveness between the two nations amidst rising tensions rooted in historical disputes. The statement was released following a special conclave convened by Pope Leo XIV, where 178 cardinals from around the world gathered. Among them were five bishops from Poland and Ukraine who signed the declaration, including Polish cardinals Konrad Krajewski, Grzegorz Ryś, and Kazimierz Nycz, along with Ukrainian cardinals Mykola Bychok and Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Notably, some other Polish cardinals present, such as Stanislaw Dziwisz and Stanislaw Ryłko, did not sign the document despite attending the meeting in Rome.

The appeal highlights deepening tensions between Poland and Ukraine, particularly concerning historical events from World War II. These tensions escalated recently when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named a military unit after the "heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)." In Ukraine, the UPA is viewed as a symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation, whereas in Poland, it is associated with the Volhynia massacres, where approximately 100,000 ethnic Poles, predominantly women and children, were killed. Poland recognizes these killings as a genocide, while Ukraine denies this characterization and emphasizes the broader context of anti-Ukrainian policies by the pre-war Polish state. Additionally, Ukraine points out that Polish partisans also committed atrocities against Ukrainian civilians during the war.

As a result of Zelensky's decision, Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle, an honor previously bestowed upon Zelensky in 2023. In response, Zelensky canceled his planned attendance at the Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled to take place in Poland. This sequence of events has further strained bilateral relations, prompting the bishops' call for unity and mutual understanding.

The bishops expressed concern over the increasing hostility between Poles and Ukrainians, emphasizing that such discord occurs at a critical moment when Ukraine is still grappling with the devastation of war and Poland has demonstrated significant solidarity with Ukrainian citizens in recent years. They underscored the importance of remembering the past, acknowledging that it plays a crucial role in shaping collective identities. However, they cautioned that the reconciliation between Poles and Ukrainians extends beyond national relations—it impacts the credibility of their shared Christian witness.

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Pope John Paul II, who addressed the 60th anniversary of the Volhynia massacres in 2003, the bishops urged both nations to move forward from their painful histories. Pope John Paul II had called for Poles and Ukrainians not to be "enslaved by their sad memories of the past," encouraging acknowledgment of past mistakes and seeking forgiveness for one another. The bishops echoed this sentiment, urging both sides to courageously forgive each other and extend hands of reconciliation rather than allowing divisive narratives to dominate public discourse.

They emphasized the need for a language of peace that is disarming and constructive, advocating for clear yet respectful communication that avoids humiliation or aggression. The bishops highlighted the significance of symbols and gestures, noting that they can either heal wounds or deepen divisions. They stressed that building common good requires an evangelical approach—clear, bold, true, but never closing doors to forgiveness.

The bishops also reflected on the historical visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine, marking the 25th anniversary of this significant event. They saw this as a pivotal moment for reflection and renewal, urging all parties involved to consider the teachings of the saintly pope as a model for addressing historical issues. Their message resonates with the broader goal of fostering peace and unity among Christians of different backgrounds and nationalities, reinforcing the belief that reconciliation is essential for maintaining the integrity of their shared faith.