Polish and German bishops gathered this week in Wrocław to honor Cardinal Bolesław Kominek, a key figure in the reconciliation between Poland and Germany after World War II. While many recognize the contributions of St. John Paul II and Blessed Stefan Wyszynski, Kominek's efforts are less known but equally significant. Kominek served as the archbishop of Wrocław during a tumultuous time when borders were redrawn following the war. After the conflict, Poland lost its eastern territories to the Soviet Union and gained land from Germany, transforming the city of Breslau into Wrocław. This shift led to significant migrations, with many Poles and Germans displaced. Faced with the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn society, Kominek sought ways to foster reconciliation. In 1966, Poland planned to celebrate the millennium of its Catholic faith, marking the baptism of Mieszko I in 966. The Polish bishops invited Catholic bishops worldwide, including Pope Paul VI, who was unable to attend due to communist restrictions. Kominek proposed using this occasion to promote healing between Poles and Germans, particularly in the newly acquired Polish territories. He led the drafting of a letter to the German bishops, addressing the atrocities committed during the Nazi era while extending a hand of reconciliation. The letter included a powerful statement: "We forgive and ask for forgiveness." The response from Germany was largely positive, but the reaction in Poland was mixed. Many questioned why Poland, as a victim, should seek forgiveness from Germany, the aggressor. The communist regime exploited this division, launching a propaganda campaign against reconciliation efforts, proclaiming, "We do not forget and we will not forgive!" Karol Wojtyła, then archbishop of Kraków and future Pope John Paul II, defended the Polish bishops' initiative. He emphasized that the call for forgiveness was rooted in Christian ethics and noted that the German bishops had acknowledged their responsibility for past sins. Wojtyła argued that mutual forgiveness was essential, stating, "In the long centuries of Polish-German relations, it is not possible that a people not have something for which to ask mutual forgiveness." As Europe faces renewed conflict and a climate of grievance, the 1965 initiative by Kominek and the Polish bishops serves as a reminder of the power of reconciliation. Their efforts highlight the importance of courage and mercy in overcoming historical grievances and building a more peaceful future.