Polish Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, criticized the spread of hate speech and fear towards immigrants and refugees because they are non-Christians. Ryś, who is one of the most prominent church figures in Poland, emphasized that such attitudes are contrary to Christian teachings.
Ryś highlighted the contradiction between hate speech and Christian teachings, which call for welcoming the stranger. “Everyone has the right to choose where to live and to be respected there,” he said, pointing to the Christian principle of the “unity of humankind.”
The Polish Archbishop’s remarks came amid growing hostility toward refugees and immigrants in Poland, fueled in part by the anti-immigrant rhetoric of some Catholic bishops. This prompted the Polish government to file a complaint with the Vatican against two bishops. Poland has also seen large-scale anti-immigrant protests, drawing thousands of participants nationwide.
Archbishop Ryś prepared a sermon that was read in churches across his diocese, beginning with the story of the prophet Abraham welcoming three strangers at his tent and citing Christ’s words: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” He added, “For weeks and months, the conflict over refugees and immigrants has fueled public debates and actions that—though often justified with Christian motives—have little to do with Christianity.”
He pointed out that the rhetoric of fear and hatred undermines genuine evangelical initiatives. He also addressed criticism of the Catholic charity Caritas, which runs numerous centers providing assistance to refugees and migrants. The Catholic bishop said, “Hatred, fear of others, and stereotypes have become arguments that are more important than human reason and the Gospel. The prevailing discourse harms newcomers and undermines the initiatives, motivations, and strength of those who want to help them.”
The archbishop also underscored every person’s right to choose where to live, stressing that this right aligns with Catholic social teaching and must be respected regardless of cultural, linguistic, or religious differences. “Christianity is not a tribal religion,” he said. “As the Ecumenical Council teaches, it is a proclamation of the unity of the entire human race.”
He emphasized that his remarks were not political but a call for more responsible language. Urging participants in immigration debates to remain faithful to Christian and Church teachings, he added, “If you cannot, then at least have the courage to remain silent and not fan the flames of an already heated situation.”
Notably, Poland has witnessed a sharp rise in anti-immigration rhetoric in recent months. Under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the government has taken steps to curb irregular migration, including building a barrier on the Belarusian border and banning asylum applications from those entering via Belarus.
