The 12th Ecumenical Assembly dedicated to the theme of peace has begun in Gniezno today with the words of Pope Leo XIV, contained in a special message. Among the participants is Cardinal Michael Czerny. The Primate of Poland, Msgr. Wojciech Polak, who presides over the debates and workshops organised in a synodal style, presented the initiative reiterating that the theme of peace concerns “all of us who are called upon to invoke it, seeking together the paths that lead to it”. Discussion in Gniezno will focus not only on “a peace that consists of non-belligerence” or on “maintaining the balance of powers” but also on “a reality to be built on various levels and in various ways in different areas of human life”. “It is not so much a question of talking about how to avoid wars and armed conflicts but one about how to build a living space of peace for all”, Msgr. Polak said. The approximately 1,000 people from different countries attending the Assembly will participate in an ecumenical celebration this afternoon and, connected with Ukraine, will pray together for peace in Europe and across the world. Given the incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory last night, Polish President Karol Nawrocki will not be able to attend. The aim of the Assembly in Gniezno is to “bring together Christians from Poland and from across Europe to discuss peace”. This year’s Assembly, entitled “The courage of hope. Christians together for the future of Europe”, will conclude with a “road map” for “achieving peace through dialogue”.