Fr. Paweł Rytel – Andrianik, Piotr Kowalczuk, Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
Invitation to Poland
“Of course, I confirmed the cordial invitation for the Holy Father to Poland not only on behalf of the authorities, but on behalf of the entire nation. I am glad that he accepted it with joy, although the date is yet to be determined. But we both told each other that we are already very much looking forward to meeting in Poland, no matter what happens,” Donald Tusk told reporters. The Prime Minister indicated that the visit of Leo XIV could take place in 2028, because elections are held in Poland next year, and the Holy See had previously made it clear that such a visit could not take place in an election year.
Vatican Communiqué
As reported by the Holy See Press Office, “during cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed with the good relations between the Holy See and Poland” and “issues concerning the social and economic situation of the country were discussed, as well as relations between the local Church and the state, especially in the area of education and ethical matters.” Furthermore, the current international situation was discussed, particularly the conflict in Ukraine and Poland’s role in the European Union.
Community of Views
Donald Tusk told reporters that he was very impressed by his meeting with the Holy Father. He recalled that Leo XIV had repeatedly spoken about the need for peace, the reunification of people of good will around the world, and reconciliation.
The Prime Minister also laid flowers at the tomb of the Polish Pope: “When we laid flowers at the tomb of St. John Paul II today, I think we all remembered those moments when our Pope changed the world. We were all beneficiaries of that. I told the Holy Father Leo that his words and actions can also greatly improve this world, restore moral order, also in public life.” He added that he was uplifted by the conversation with the Pope and, thanks to it, feels better prepared to alleviate political conflicts in Poland.
On religion in school – differences and discussions.
The Prime Minister added that talks with the Holy Father, and then with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, also concerned the situation of the Church in Poland: “As long as I am Prime Minister, we will always seek dialogue and wise discussion, not confrontation,” Donald Tusk said about the relations between the state and the Church. He added that the issue of religion in school was also discussed: “Here we have a slightly different view, but I assured my interlocutors that it is in Poland’s interest to seek good agreements wherever possible. One does not have to give up one’s own views, projects, but one must be able to convince each other without raising one’s voice,” said the Prime Minister. He added that thanks to this conversation in the Vatican, it will be possible to organize a dialogue on all controversies concerning state-Church relations: “I deeply believe that this great Polish heritage, non-violent action, that solidarity and dialogue are better than confrontation, that human rights have deep meaning and we are not alone in this,” said Donald Tusk.
Discussions on Ukraine and armaments
The Prime Minister admitted that the talks in the Vatican also concerned the situation in Ukraine, international order, and the arming of Poland and Europe. After the meeting with Donald Tusk, the Pope had a scheduled meeting with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio. As the Polish Prime Minister said, this shows how many important and difficult issues there are to discuss currently. Meanwhile, Donald Tusk has a meeting planned today with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
