The meeting focused on a review of mutual relations, specifically in the anniversary context and was an opportunity to discuss plans for further cooperation between Poland and the Holy See. Matters relating to the situation of Christians in the world were also raised. Minister Czaputowicz informed the Archbishop about Poland’s priorities during its presidency of the UN Security Council in August this year, including the initiative to establish the International Day Commemorating Victims of Religious Violence. They also discussed the future of the European Union and elections to the European Parliament.

During the meeting, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz indicated that reports about paedophile crimes in the Polish Church have caused a deep stir, and stressed the Polish authorities’ full determination to severely punish the perpetrators and to unconditionally fight against this phenomenon. In this context, he mentioned the recently adopted legal measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of counteracting such crimes. He also said he hoped that a full cooperation between the Polish State and the Holy See will permit to compensate the victims and cleanse the Church of this phenomenon which casts a shadow over its mission.

On 20 May, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Konrad Szymański and Archbishop Gallagher took part in a conference at the University of Warsaw organised to mark the centenary of renewing diplomatic relations between Poland and the Holy See which falls this year. The conference was also attended by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio and Rector of the University of Warsaw Professor Marcin Pałys.

 

MFA Press Office