"We Forgive and Ask for Forgiveness"
11/11/2025On 18 November, an event at the University of Würzburg will commemorate a historic exchange of letters that significantly changed German-Polish relations and continues to shape them to this day.
The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of a significant event in European post-war history: the exchange of letters between the Polish and German bishops in 1965. This exchange, which culminated in the famous sentence - "We grant forgiveness and ask for forgiveness" - marked a historic turning point in relations between Poland and Germany after the horrors of the Second World War.
To mark this milestone anniversary, the Polish Historical Mission and the Chair of Modern History at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) are organising an event focusing on the historical significance, reception and lasting impact of this exchange of letters. Both the German and the Polish perspective will take centre stage.
Time and Place
Event "We forgive and ask for forgiveness" - 60 years of correspondence between Polish and German bishops.
When: Tuesday, 18 November 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Central lecture theatre and seminar building Z6, room 1.012, Hubland South Campus
Programme
- Greeting: Dean Prof Dr Thomas Baier (Faculty of Arts of the University of Würzburg)
- Discussion: Archbishop emeritus Prof. Dr Ludwig Schick (Archbishopric of Bamberg), Prof. Dr Dominik Burkard (Faculty of Catholic Theology: Chair of Medieval and Modern Church History), Prof. Dr Peter Hoeres (Faculty of Arts: Chair of Modern History), Prof. Dr Matthias Stickler (Chair of Modern History), Dr Renata Skowrońska (Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń: Polish Historical Mission at the University of Würzburg)
A historical review of the events of 1965 is planned, as well as contributions on the theological and social significance of the exchange of letters. There will also be reports from contemporary witnesses and voices from church and society. The event will conclude with a discussion with guests from Poland and Germany.
Admission is free for all interested parties.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Peter Hoeres, Chair of Modern History, e-mail: peter.hoeres@uni-wuerzburg.de
Dr. Renata Skowronska, Polish Mission at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, e-mail: renata.skowronska@uni-wuerzburg.de
