The President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, met with journalists belonging to Club Grande Europe from eleven European countries at the Secretariat of the Polish Bishops’ Conference. The conversation concerned current events in the Church in Poland, including issues of protection of conceived life, protection of minors, refugees and so-called sexual minorities.

After discussing the situation of the Catholic Church in Poland by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, journalists had the opportunity to ask questions on topics of interest to them. Among the issues that were in the center of interest of representatives of foreign media, was i.a. the issue of protecting life from conception, protection of minors, helping refugees and LGBT ideology.

The President of the Polish Episcopate noted that the Church always defends human life and asserts the right to life for the most vulnerable, that is children in mothers’ wombs.

Regarding the abuse of minors by some clergy, the President of the Episcopate stressed that not only at the national level, but also in dioceses there are appropriate guidelines and tools to prevent this crime.

Referring to questions about the reception of refugees, the President of the Episcopate noted that the Church in Poland is in unity with the universal Church and Pope Francis. He reminded that the decision on how many refugees can accept a given country depends on its government. He also mentioned that Poland welcomed about two million people from Ukraine who easily integrate and work in many places.

When asked by a journalist about the threat of LGBT ideology, the President of the Episcopate replied that this ideology is in conflict with Christian values.

Journalists from abroad were also interested in the attitude of Church representatives in Poland to national and EU policy. “The Church does not identify with any political group. It is not on the right, left or center side. The Church should stand on the side of the Gospel”. Regarding the upcoming elections, Archbishop Gądecki said that the Church encouraged to vote for people who represent Christian values.

Representatives of foreign media came from France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Serbia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Great Britain.

Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference