Fr. Piotr Żelazko Named “Man of Reconciliation 2026”

The ceremony took place at the Ec Chaim Progressive Synagogue in Warsaw, where Fr. Piotr received the award with what he described as “sincere, deep emotion and humility,” emphasizing that he does not view it as a personal honor but as a reminder of the shared responsibility to build bridges where walls once stood. This conviction formed the heart of his remarks throughout the event.

A Morning of Congratulations

Earlier that same day, Fr. Piotr was received by the Israeli Ambassador to Poland, Yacov Livne, who personally congratulated him on the distinction. Livne has served as Israel’s ambassador in Warsaw since 2021.

A Vision Shaped by the Post‑Conciliar Church

In his speech, Fr. Piotr reflected on his spiritual formation, explaining that he “grew up and fell in love with the post‑conciliar Church,” a Church in which the presence of God in the world becomes visible through human relationships and interreligious fraternity. Though this ideal is not always fully lived out, he noted that from the moment he was ordained, the desire to meet every person seeking God - even in ways different from his own—became an integral part of his spirituality. These themes echo statements reported in coverage of the event.

Joy, Concern, and Commitment to Truth

Fr. Piotr expressed gratitude that in Jerusalem there are places where the presence of a Catholic priest at Jewish festivals is experienced as natural and welcome. At the same time, he spoke frankly about the “spaces where hatred or ignorance still persist,” including within parts of the Catholic Church where antisemitism remains a problem. He stressed that reconciliation requires honesty about these wounds.

He insisted that Jewish‑Christian reconciliation is not a destination but a path - a way that demands attentiveness, patience, courage, and truth, first and foremost within one’s own heart. Only by walking this road together, he said, can Jews and Christians help one another recognize the God who dwells in every human being.

The Responsibility of the Award

For Fr. Piotr, the title of “Man of Reconciliation” is not a crowning achievement but a call to responsibility: to “listen more attentively, learn more fervently, speak more broadly, and build bridges even where it seems impossible.” He reminded those present that Jewish‑Christian heritage is not abstract - it is a living set of roots, a language of values, and a memory that teaches. This heritage also bears painful histories that require truth, compassion, and vigilance.

He added that reconciliation means being “rooted in truth” - a truth that obliges us not only to look toward the future with hope but also to face the past with honesty.

A Gratitude That Builds Hope

Fr. Piotr concluded by thanking the Polish Council of Christians and Jews for decades of faithful commitment to dialogue: “You remind me continually that reconciliation is possible, that it is needed, that it is beautiful. It is beautiful that we are different, and that we know how to differ beautifully.” He emphasized that reconciliation requires many hands, many hearts, and many voices - and he is honored to be one of them. He ended by asking all present to pray for peace in Israel and throughout the Middle East.