German cardinal says Germans, Poles must recognize WWII grievances
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) -- A German cardinal said his country will not achieve full reconciliation with neighboring Poland until both nations recognize the grievances of millions of civilians who lost everything in deportations during and after World War II.
"We should remember the present generation doesn't carry the blame for these events, but bears responsibility for them," said Berlin Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky.
"The challenge of approaching others without prejudice and working for a united Europe will not be met until Poles expelled from their prewar eastern territories are understood in Germany, as are the reasons why Germans were expelled from lands now belonging to Poland. This is causing many unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts," he told the Polish Catholic news agency KAI Aug. 30.
The same day, Polish and German bishops celebrated a Mass in Berlin to commemorate the Sept. 1, 1939, German attack on Poland that began World War II. Church leaders from both countries called for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation at the Mass at St. Hedwig Cathedral.
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"We should remember the present generation doesn't carry the blame for these events, but bears responsibility for them," said Berlin Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky.
"The challenge of approaching others without prejudice and working for a united Europe will not be met until Poles expelled from their prewar eastern territories are understood in Germany, as are the reasons why Germans were expelled from lands now belonging to Poland. This is causing many unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts," he told the Polish Catholic news agency KAI Aug. 30.
The same day, Polish and German bishops celebrated a Mass in Berlin to commemorate the Sept. 1, 1939, German attack on Poland that began World War II. Church leaders from both countries called for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation at the Mass at St. Hedwig Cathedral.