The conference in the central-western Polish city of Gniezno has attracted religious leaders as well as politicians, intellectuals and media personalities from many countries, Radip Poland reports.
The agenda of the 11th Gniezno Convention includes lectures, discussions, workshops and prayers, in addition to a celebration of Polish tradition and history as the country in 2018 marks 100 years since regaining its independence.
The Gniezno Convention, which is held at irregular intervals, is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest international meeting of Christians of various denominations, according to the IAR news agency.
This year’s event is being held under the motto “Europe – A Land of the Free. The Inspirational Power of Christianity.”
In an address to participants, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Gniezno, his country’s first historical capital, has over the years become “a venue for creative meetings by people of different nationalities, different religions and different views,” the PAP news agency reported.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki this month told Catholic leaders from 45 countries that Poland’s tradition of solidarity was the country’s gift to Europe.
Poland regained independence on November 11, 1918, the day World War I ended, after more than 120 years of foreign rule.