# Polish-German bishops show path to real reconciliation

> A 1965 message of forgiveness between warring nations offers lessons for a world still divided by conflict.
- Title: Polish-German bishops show path to real reconciliation
- Summary: A 1965 message of forgiveness between warring nations offers lessons for a world still divided by conflict. Reconciliation requires facing the truth about…
- Keywords: poland, germany, bishops, reconciliation, forgiveness, world war ii, paul richard gallagher, vatican, diplomacy, 1965 letter, post-war europe, religion
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-09/archbishop-gallagher-poland-germany-bishops-letter-book.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-23T07:14:05.47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: poland, germany, bishops, reconciliation, forgiveness, world war ii, paul richard gallagher, vatican, diplomacy, 1965 letter, post-war europe, religion
## Historic message of forgiveness
In 1965, Polish bishops sent a groundbreaking letter to German bishops saying "We forgive and ask for forgiveness" after World War II, marking an unprecedented step toward reconciliation.

> We forgive and ask for forgiveness
## Truth, not forgetting, heals wounds
Archbishop Gallagher stressed that reconciliation comes from facing the past truthfully with courage and trust, not from erasing it. Dialogue and openness are essential to the process.

> Reconciliation is born not from forgetting the past, but from the ability to face it truthfully
## A gift grounded in faith
For Christians, reconciliation is ultimately a divine gift, as Saint Paul wrote: "In Christ, God reconciled us to himself." This spiritual foundation gives the process deeper meaning.

> In Christ, God reconciled us to himself
## Relevance grows amid new conflicts
The 1965 message remains powerful today as the world faces fresh divisions and violence. The example shows how precious it is to protect what took decades to build.
## Someone must take the first step
German Ambassador Bruno Kahl noted that reconciliation is difficult but possible, requiring someone to be brave enough to reach out first. The book aims to inspire similar initiatives today.

> Reconciliation is difficult, but it is possible. Someone, however, must take the first step
## Concrete results from remembrance
The 60th anniversary commemorations led to tangible outcomes, including the Bundestag's near-unanimous vote to fund a Polish House and monument to World War II victims in Berlin.
## World needs courageous gestures now
Polish Ambassador Kwiatkowski called for more bold acts of reconciliation that reach across differences. The world needs respect, gratitude, and willingness to understand those we disagree with.
## Key takeaway

Reconciliation requires facing the truth about the past with courage and openness to dialogue, not forgetting it.