Polish bishops urge support for Ukrainian refugees

17.10.2025, 10:41

The 402nd Plenary Session of the Polish Bishops' Conference took place in Gdańsk from October 13 to 15, 2025. It was chaired by Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, SAC, who is the president of the conference. The participants discussed important matters regarding the church and social life, with a particular focus on the increasing presence of Ukrainian refugees in Poland and the challenges that arise from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In an official communiqué from the Plenary Session, the bishops emphasized the importance of Christian hospitality toward newcomers, particularly refugees and migrants. This was reported by the UGGC Department for Information.

“The integration of refugees into the host society is the best response to the words of the Savior,” the document states. “This integration must be achieved with full respect for the dignity of each person.”

The Polish bishops urged the maintenance of positive relationships with Ukrainian refugees and called for a strong stance against any form of economic or political exploitation of refugees and migrants, especially practices that encourage xenophobia.

“Let hospitality and kindness be our testimony of love for our neighbor,” the bishops stated.

In a separate matter, the Polish Bishops' Conference responded to Pope Leo XIV's call to pray the rosary for peace in the world throughout October. In their appeal, the bishops requested that this prayer continue, especially for peace in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, the Holy Land, Sudan, and other regions affected by conflict.

“We urge everyone to pray for suffering and persecuted Christians and to support decisive actions that can contribute to achieving lasting peace in the world,” the communiqué states.