WARSAW — Poland's Catholic church is preparing to welcome the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to Poland in August, a visit church leaders describe as a crucial step toward healing historic wounds between Russians and Poles.
The key moment in the patriarch's four-day visit, from Aug. 16-19, will be the signing of a document appealing to Poles and Russians to forgive each other for past wrongs and injustices.
"We hope it will gradually lead to reconciliation between our nations," said Jozef Kloch, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Church in Poland.
Officials said the document will be signed by Kirill and Archbishop Jozef Michalik, the head of Poland's conference of bishops, on Aug. 17 in Warsaw's Royal Castle.
(AP)
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