Government members want the ceremonies to stress that Poland’s Catholic identity ties the nation to Western culture and values, especially now when the European Union is criticizing its policies and warning that they threaten democracy and the rule of law. The policies have also led to massive street protests.

“Shouldn’t we reach more boldly to the grace of holy baptism … in order to overcome enmity and discord, in order to seek reconciliation and forgiveness that we all crave so much,” Poland’s Primate Archbishop Wojciech Polak said during the Mass at the 10th-century Gniezno Cathedral. MORE