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In recent years, tensions in Polish-Ukrainian relations have noticeably increased and radicalized within Polish politics and society, driven by mutual historical wounds from World War II. There are many reasons and explanations for this, but the result is clear: reconciliation and forgiveness—pursued for decades by political, civic, and church leaders on both sides—are once again slipping out of reach.
That’s why initiatives aiming to return to the path of mutual understanding are so valuable—one of which was the first Polish-Ukrainian prayer breakfast on the topic “Ukraine in a New Europe: The Role of Churches,” held on June 27 at the Polish Sejm. The event was organized by the Sejm’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (headed by Paweł Kowal) and the Catholic Information Agency (KAI). Its unprecedented nature is highlighted by the delegation size: on the Ukrainian side, the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO), and on the Polish side, the Polish Bishops’ Conference and the Polish Ecumenical Council. The ecumenical prayer before the breakfast was led by the Head of the UGCC, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav, and the Primate of Poland, Archbishop Wojciech Polak. The breakfast was also attended by parliamentarians and government officials from both countries.
In this interview with KAI journalist Krzysztof Tomasik—the author of two dialogue books with Sviatoslav (“Dialogue Heals Wounds,” 2018, and “God Has Not Abandoned Ukraine,” 2023)—the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church reflects on the importance of the event, the spiritual legacy of Saint John Paul II for Poles and Ukrainians, the need for solidarity and forgiveness, and who ultimately benefits from conflicts between the two nations.
“The Sejm Breakfast Was Historic in Many Ways”
Q: This was the first Polish-Ukrainian ecumenical prayer breakfast held in the Polish Sejm. How important was this for relations between Ukraine and Poland, and between the Churches of our countries?
Sviatoslav: The event was historic in three ways. First, it was the first time the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations was invited to the Polish Sejm. The heads and representatives of the largest Churches and religious communities of Ukraine came to Warsaw, including the Grand Mufti of Crimea. What’s important is that AUCCRO does not represent state structures or political circles, but the voice of civil society. We represent believers—ordinary people in Ukraine. Our council unites 75.5% of Ukrainian society: Orthodox and Catholics of both rites, various Protestant communities, as well as Jewish and Muslim communities.
Second, we met for the first time with the Polish Ecumenical Council. In wartime, ecumenical and interreligious contact is more necessary than ever.
Third, for the first time, the Roman Catholic Church in Poland, at the highest level, was represented by the voice of the Primate of Poland, Archbishop Wojciech Polak, who spoke clearly in support of Ukraine.
This kind of prayer breakfast, a Protestant tradition originating in the U.S., has been practiced in Ukraine for some time, but this was a first for Poland. We witnessed the birth of a new tradition—a bilateral dialogue and cooperation platform for Churches, religious organizations, and also for the parliaments and governments of both countries (the Ukrainian delegation was led by Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, and included Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi, Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko, and others).
I sincerely hope this event becomes a good beginning and that it continues. It’s a platform where we can speak not only about overarching principles and tasks but also about real problems between Poles and Ukrainians—and find solutions together.
“John Paul II’s Legacy Must Guide Us”
Q: What problems must remain on the joint agenda?
During the breakfast, I recalled the spiritual legacy of Saint John Paul II for both our nations. Three points are central to this legacy.
First, he believed that post-WWII reconciliation among European nations—beginning with France and Germany and later marked by the Polish-German bishops’ exchange of letters with the words “we forgive and ask forgiveness”—was foundational for Europe.
John Paul II also initiated Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation. Our episcopates proclaimed him the patron of this process. I reminded everyone that 24 years ago, on June 27, 2001, during his visit to Ukraine, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Lviv and beatified the UGCC martyrs of the Soviet era. Before that beatification, UGCC head Lubomyr Husar said:
“In Your presence, Holy Father, and on behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, I want to ask forgiveness from those whom we, the sons and daughters of this Church, may have wronged. So that our painful past does not burden us or poison our lives, we also forgive those who wronged us. We believe that in a spirit of mutual forgiveness, we can enter the new century with hope.”
These words remain timeless.
“Solidarity, Not National Egoism, Is the Answer”
The second dimension of John Paul II’s legacy is his role as the Pope of Solidarity—the movement that freed Poland from communism. His 1979 visit to Poland inspired people to stand up for their rights.
Today, solidarity saves Ukraine. The solidarity of ordinary people sustains our society against Russian aggression. That same spirit helps us resist the temptation of national egoism and manipulation. We can’t just focus on internal political problems—we must build a broader European and global solidarity.
Third, John Paul II had a broad vision of Europe. He said: “Poland needs Europe, and Europe needs Poland.” Today we say the same: Ukraine needs Europe, and Europe needs Ukraine. This is especially true now, when some actors try to reopen the wounds of the past and stir up rivalry between Poles and Ukrainians. Anyone who fuels national egoism or Euroscepticism undermines the spirit of solidarity—and works in Russia’s favor. Let’s not fall for it!
“War Will Never End Until the Dead Are Buried”
Q: The topic of WWII exhumations—particularly the so-called Volhynia massacre—is now used to drive a wedge into Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation.
Yes, we are dealing with painful history and mutual trauma. But speaking on behalf of Ukrainian Churches, I want to say again: we support exhumations. Every person, regardless of origin or religion, has the right to respectful burial.
They say a war isn’t over until its last soldier is buried. So that war will never end unless we honor and bury all the victims—on both sides. We support all exhumations and efforts to build a better future.
“Let Historians, Not Politicians, Interpret the Past”
Q: And historical understanding—especially around Volhynia—is equally important?
Yes. People often forget causality and context. They interpret tragedy outside of its historical framework. For example, Poles don’t always remember what happened before Volhynia; Ukrainians don’t always remember what happened there.
We must seek the truth objectively and scientifically, free from political manipulation. We need historians from both sides to collaborate on exhumations, research, and archival studies. Ultimately, we must face the truth—together.
“Russia Gains from Every Polish-Ukrainian Conflict”
Q: And it is Russia that benefits from these disputes.
Yes—and that is painful to admit. Russia is fighting Poles too—its propaganda seeks to weaponize every ethnic or historical conflict.
It even promotes national amnesia, manipulating memory for imperial goals. So we must remain vigilant: we should seek truth in our shared history, but not let ourselves be manipulated.
John Paul II said that solidarity is not sentimentality or forgetfulness—it is love. Solidarity is love in action, extended to all. That is the best way forward for Europe, Poland, and Ukraine. This legacy must become our culture—between peoples, Churches, political institutions, and states.
“Indifference Is the Real Threat”
The world is beginning to forget the human cost of war in Ukraine. It sees only numbers—missiles, drones—but forgets the tragedy of ruined lives.
At the beginning of this year, we hoped President Donald Trump might pressure Russia into peace. Even Putin seemed to want it. But Russia derailed every effort, and the bombing continues. I’ve just returned from Kyiv—airstrikes intensify nightly.
I want our Polish brothers and sisters to understand what life is like when you haven’t slept properly in months. When children must prepare for school while sheltering in basements. They’ve swapped day for night, hiding in darkness and sleeping by day. This is trauma on every level.
So please: do not forget Ukraine. May your peace not dull your hearts and consciences. Don’t let Ukrainians become victims of indifference—because indifference dehumanizes.
Indifference erodes families, communities, and ultimately destroys the one who becomes numb. Solidarity, as John Paul II taught, is love—and only love makes us truly human.
Source: UGCC, translated from Ukrainian