Political Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference in the Context of the Ukrainian Counteroffensive in 2023
Political Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference in the Context of the Ukrainian Counteroffensive in 2023

Summary/Abstract: The scientifi c aim of this article is to present the position of the Polish Episcopal Conferenceduring one of the stages of Russia’s full-scale war on the territory of Ukraine, namely during theUkrainian counteroffensive in the Zaporizhia Oblast and the western part of the Donetsk Oblastin 2023. The analysis concerns the following issues: the general geopolitical situation in Europein the context of the war in Ukraine; the migration and refugee crisis on the external border of theEuropean Union; an assessment of the foreign policy pursued by contemporary world politicalleaders towards the Russian Federation and Ukraine; an assessment of the position of the HolySee and Pope Francis in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine; and an assessment of Ukraine’spolitical aspirations related to accession to the European Union and NATO. Methodology: theauthor applied the method of critical analysis of political rhetorical discourse in accordance withMartin Reisigl’s approach. Results and conclusions: the Polish bishops adopted a clear position in the context of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023. They identifi ed the aggressor and thevictim, stressed the need to provide assistance to refugees, and highlighted the importance ofa proper understanding of the migration crisis triggered by the war. The materials analysed didnot include any position taken by the Polish Episcopal Conference regarding the following issues:Ukraine’s aspirations to join the structures of the European Union and NATO; the assessmentof Russia’s war in Ukraine by the Holy See and Pope Francis; or a detailed evaluation of thegeopolitical situation in Europe, including, in particular, the foreign policy of global politicalleaders towards the Russian Federation and Ukraine. The publication contributes to the growingcognitive value on the political communication of the Polish Episcopal Conference.

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