“I strongly condemn the use of human tragedies by the Belarusian side to carry out actions against the sovereignty of Poland,” wrote the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki in the communiqué in the face of the escalation of tensions on the Polish-Belarusian border.

The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference emphasized that most migrants are victims of ruthless political action and the greed of the smuggling mafia. “For this reason, I would like to repeat once again that people who suffer from this evil need our care in solidarity,” he stressed.

The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference also expressed his gratitude “towards people and institutions providing such help, with respect for the law in force in Poland”. At the same time, he expressed his appreciation “to all state services, including the Border Guard, army and police, for their dedicated defense of Polish borders.”

He also asked for “fervent prayer for Poland, for the victims of this crisis and for its peaceful resolution”.

Below is the full text of the communiqué:

The communiqué of the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

In the face of the escalation of tension at the Polish – Belarus border

It is yet another consecutive day that we are witnesses to the dramatic events on the Polish-Belarusian border. On behalf of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, I strongly condemn the use of human tragedies by the Belarusian side to conduct actions against Poland’s sovereignty.

Most of the migrants are victims of ruthless political action and the greed of the smuggling mafia. For this reason, I would like to repeat once again that those who suffer by this evil need our care in solidarity. At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to the people and institutions that provide such help, with respect for the law in force in Poland.

I would also like to express my appreciation to all state services, including the Border Guard, army and police, for their dedicated defense of Polish borders. I assure you of my heartfelt prayers for you and your loved ones, in these difficult moments of service for the good of the homeland.

I am asking all the faithful and people of goodwill for fervent prayer for Poland, for the victims of this crisis, and for its peaceful resolution.

+ Stanisław Gądecki

Archbishop Metropolitan of Poznań

President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

Warsaw, 10^th November 2021