In 2025, we mark the 60th anniversary of the exchange of letters between the bishops of Poland and Germany—one of the most significant gestures of reconciliation in post-war European history. In their letter of November 18, 1965, the Polish bishops addressed the German bishops with the words: "we forgive and ask for forgiveness," initiating a process that permanently influenced relations between Poland and Germany.
On the occasion of this anniversary, the Krzyżowa Foundation for European Understanding is participating in a series of events commemorating this breakthrough moment. As part of these activities, Dr. hab. Robert Żurek is taking part in numerous conferences, symposia, and debates dedicated to the significance of this historic gesture.
📅 September 11, 2025 – Berlin The symposium “60 Jahre Briefwechsel” (60 Years of Correspondence), organized by the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz and the Katholische Akademie Berlin, took place. The event was dedicated to the significance of the bishops' letters in the history of Polish-German relations and their impact on the process of reconciliation between the nations.
📅 September 13, 2025 – Wrocław During a pilgrimage of the Archdiocese of Berlin, Dr. hab. Robert Żurek delivered a lecture entitled „Briefwechsel der Bischöfe von 1965 – historische Einordnungen” (The Bishops' Correspondence of 1965 – Historical Contextualization). The meeting was an opportunity to present the historical context of the bishops' letters and the role of the Churches in post-war dialogue.
📅 October 23, 2025 – Augsburg (Upcoming event) Dr. hab. Robert Żurek will participate in the event „Ein europäisches Wunder? Der polnisch-deutsche Bischofsbriefwechsel 1965 als Wegweiser für Frieden und Versöhnung” (A European Miracle? The Polish-German Bishops' Correspondence of 1965 as a Signpost for Peace and Reconciliation), organized by the Katholische Akademie in Bayern and the Akademisches Forum der Diözese Augsburg. Among the panelists will be, among others, Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan. The discussion will focus on how the bishops' letters can inspire peace processes and reconciliation efforts in Europe today.
📅 November 4, 2025 – Hamburg Dr. hab. Robert Żurek will take part in a panel discussion during the anniversary evening at the Katholische Akademie Hamburg. The conversation will focus on the message of the letters in the context of contemporary social and political challenges. https://www.kahh.de/programm/kalender/
📅 November 8, 2025 – Wrocław Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation organized by the Catholic Intellectuals Club in Wrocław and the Krzyżowa Foundation. The Foundation is a partner of the event, and Dr. hab. Robert Żurek will deliver the anniversary lecture. The meeting will be an opportunity to recall the gestures that built bridges of understanding between Poles and Germans.
📅 November 16, 2025 – Katowice Dr. hab. Robert Żurek will speak at a scientific conference organized by the Upper Silesian Association (Związek Górnośląski). The conference will focus on the role of reconciliation in shaping the post-war identity of Upper Silesia.
📅 November 18, 2025 – Krzyżowa On the exact anniversary of the letter exchange, a guided tour of the exhibition „Odwaga i Pojednanie” (Courage and Reconciliation) and a lecture by Dr. hab. Robert Żurek are planned—an event aimed, among others, at groups interested in the history of Polish-German dialogue. The meeting will allow for reflection on the message of the letters in a place that has become a symbol of reconciliation.
📅 November 19, 2025 – Wrocław Dr. hab. Robert Żurek will speak at a scientific conference organized by the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław and the Zajezdnia History Center. The conference will focus on the role of the Church in the processes of dialogue and reconciliation after World War II.
The anniversary of the bishops' letters is not only an occasion to commemorate a historic gesture but also to reflect on the contemporary significance of reconciliation, dialogue, and building bridges between nations. The Krzyżowa Foundation has been working for these values for years—in a place that has become a symbol of European understanding.
