Communiqué from the 406th Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference

From 22 to 24 October 2026, the 406th Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference was held in Zakopane, chaired by Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC.

1. The bishops participating in the Plenary Assembly sent a letter to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, expressing their spiritual closeness and support following the surgery he underwent in recent days. The bishops expressed their joy at the news that the operation had been successful. They assured the Pope of their spiritual support in all his endeavours. They also wished him good health, strength and the power of the Holy Spirit for the years ahead in his ministry to the universal Church.

2. Referring to the meeting of the presidents of episcopal conferences convened by Pope Leo XIV, which took place in the Vatican from 7 to 14 October to mark the tenth anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia, the bishops reiterate that sacramental marriage and family life constitute one of the paths to happiness and holiness. They also remain a pillar and a source of hope for the Church and society. The Church observes with realism and concern the changes affecting married and family life, as well as the difficulties families face. It is therefore essential to provide accompaniment and comprehensive assistance that respond to their actual needs. Young people need support so that they may respond courageously to the vocation to love and decide to enter into a sacramental marriage. Particular care should be given to young married couples, families experiencing crises and people living in irregular unions, helping them to grow in faith and discern their situation in the light of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church. The bishops also pointed to the need for a pedagogy of the beauty of love that would highlight the value, joy and goodness of married and family life. An important role in this regard should be played by the witness of married couples who remain faithful and loving despite everyday challenges. The family is the primary setting for the transmitting of faith. This is consistent with both the theme of the current pastoral year, Disciples-Missionaries, and that of the coming year, The Parish as a Missionary Community.

3. The bishops oppose the legislative amendments passed by the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish Parliament, which weaken the legal protection of the lives of unborn children. They reiterate that the dignity of every human being and the right to life require protection from conception to natural death. Care for defenceless human life, especially that of children before birth, is a duty of conscience and an expression of every person’s social responsibility. Even if the measures adopted by the Sejm were rejected at subsequent stages of the legislative process, the very fact that they have been considered contributes to fostering social acceptance of abortion as a morally neutral option, which is contrary to the truth. The bishops appeal for respect for the life of every child, including the unborn child, who is a subject of rights, and for concrete, effective and long-term assistance to women facing difficult life circumstances and to their families. The Church has also been providing such assistance for many years.

4. The bishops have received reports of the recent tragic events in Polish schools with deep concern. They express their sympathy to the families, pupils, school staff and teachers affected by pain and suffering. They firmly oppose all forms of aggression and violence, emphasising that schools should be safe places where every child can develop in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. The bishops stress that young people’s concerns matter deeply to them. The tragic events prompt questions about the state of upbringing and education in families and schools, the influence of today’s digital world, young people’s loneliness, their emotional difficulties and their relationships with peers. The bishops have prepared a special message on this subject, emphasising the need for dialogue on upbringing and education that transcends all divisions and involves families, schools, the Church and all institutions responsible for the development and safety of the younger generation. Reflection is also needed on the place of moral and religious values in upbringing and education. Religious education and ethics classes provide an important setting for fostering these values and have considerable potential to develop attitudes of respect, responsibility and sensitivity towards others.

5. The Polish Bishops’ Conference approved the revised statute of the Commission of Independent Experts for the Investigation of the Phenomenon of Sexual Abuse of Minors in the Catholic Church in Poland. The statute will be submitted to the competent state authorities to obtain legal personality under Polish civil law. The distinguished historian Professor Piotr Franaszek was appointed Chair of the Commission. His candidacy had previously been consulted on with the competent bodies representing major superiors of men’s and women’s religious institutes.

6. The bishops were briefed on the progress of preparations for the 41st World Youth Day, which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, in August 2027. The theme of the gathering will be: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). The bishops express gratitude to the leaders accompanying Polish groups, volunteers, consecrated persons and more than three hundred priests who have committed to providing spiritual care during the pilgrimage for nearly seven thousand young people from Poland who have already registered. They also received information on preparations for the Taizé European Meeting of Young Adults, which will take place in Łódź from 28 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, expressing their hope that it will be a great celebration for young people, lived in a spirit of faith, peace and ecumenical fellowship.

7. On the First Sunday of Advent, the Church in Poland will begin implementing the pastoral programme The Parish as a Missionary Community. The programme envisages deeper reflection on the Second Vatican Council’s vision of the Church as communion and a call for a renewal of community life in Polish parishes.

Praying at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki, Zakopane, and at the Church of St Hyacinth in Chochołów, the bishops asked God, through the intercession of Mary, for the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, to grant peace to the world and harmony in their homeland, and to inspire respect for the sanctity of every human life from conception. They also entrusted to our Mother all matters concerning the Church in Poland and imparted their pastoral blessing to their compatriots at home and abroad.

Signed by the bishops of the Catholic Church in Poland present at the 406th Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.

Zakopane, 24 October 2026

Translated from the Polish original by Sr. Amata J. Nowaszewska CSFN