WROCŁAW, Poland — This week, Polish and German bishops gathered at a monument honoring Cardinal Bolesław Kominek in Wrocław, recognizing his significant contributions to the reconciliation between Poland and Germany after World War II. Kominek, who served as the archbishop of Wrocław, played a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the redrawn borders and the aftermath of the war.

In 1965, the Polish bishops, led by Kominek, extended a historic invitation to their German counterparts, acknowledging the atrocities committed during the Nazi occupation. They included a powerful message in their letter: “We forgive and ask for forgiveness.” This gesture aimed to foster healing and reconciliation in a time when both nations were grappling with the consequences of war.

The response from Germany was largely positive, but the reaction in Poland was mixed. Many questioned why Poland, a victim of aggression, should seek forgiveness from Germany. The communist regime in Poland exploited this controversy, attempting to create a divide between the bishops and the Polish people. They launched a propaganda campaign that emphasized a narrative of unyielding resentment: “We do not forget and we will not forgive!”

Karol Wojtyła, who would later become Pope John Paul II, defended the bishops' call for reconciliation. He argued that the act of seeking forgiveness, even for lesser offenses, could transform relationships from one of animosity to one of understanding. He stated, “In the long centuries of Polish-German relations, it is not possible that a people not have something for which to ask mutual forgiveness.”

Despite the personal losses and suffering endured by the Polish bishops during the war, they chose a path of reconciliation, demonstrating moral courage and leadership. Their efforts, initially met with skepticism, eventually gained acceptance over time.

As Europe faces renewed conflict, the lessons from 1965 resonate strongly. The gathering in Wrocław serves as a reminder of the importance of reconciliation in a world often dominated by grievances. The monument to Cardinal Kominek features a dove of peace, with an inscription in both Polish and German: “We forgive and we ask forgiveness.” This message stands as a testament to the enduring power of forgiveness and the hope for a peaceful future between nations.