H.H. Pope Tawadros II at the College of Europe in Poland: “Engage in your communities. Love your countries. Defend truth. Carry the humility of service, not the pride of power. Let us walk together toward a world where dignity is upheld, peace is pursued, and the divine image in every human is honored.”

This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II visited the College of Europe in Natolin, Warsaw, as part of his pastoral tour in Central Europe — his first in the region — which is included in the 2025 agenda of pastoral visits. The tour includes pastoral check-ins with the Coptic community, liturgical services, and meetings with high-level officials in the countries he will visit.

The College of Europe is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, specializing in international relations and European studies.

His Holiness was received by Mrs. Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka, Vice-Rector of the college, along with a number of faculty members and European affairs experts. In attendance were Ambassador Ahmed Al-Ansari, Egypt’s Ambassador to Poland; His Grace Bishop Giovanni of Central Europe; and the accompanying papal delegation.

His Holiness signed the college’s Guest of Honor Book, held a meeting with the Vice-Rector and faculty members, and later delivered a lecture titled: “In the World, but Not of the World: The Church’s Mission and the Common Good in the Modern Age.”

In her welcome speech, Mrs. Ośniecka-Tamecka expressed her joy at hosting H.H. Pope Tawadros II and described the visit as a historic moment for the institution. She explained that the College of Europe in Natolin, established in 1992, is more than an academic institution — it is a platform for constructive dialogue between cultures, religions, and civilizations. The college aims to prepare future leaders who believe in the values of peace, openness, pluralism, and mutual understanding, all of which are essential to building a shared future.

She added that the college has worked since its inception to promote European unity through education and openness to diverse global experiences, welcoming students from over 50 countries each year. This diversity fosters global cultural and human dialogue, enriching the academic experience and deepening mutual understanding.

She highlighted the deep regard the Polish people hold for Egypt, with ancient Egyptian civilization studied in Polish curricula for many years — a testament to cultural respect and strong ties between the two nations. She concluded by thanking His Holiness for inviting her to visit Egypt.

In his lecture, H.H. Pope Tawadros II began by inviting the audience to a moment of silence in memory of the late Pope Francis of the Vatican, honoring his distinguished service to humanity.

He expressed gratitude to the college for the invitation and conveyed the warm greetings of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt to all peace-loving nations. He reminded the audience that Egypt welcomed the Holy Family when they fled violence, making the land one of refuge and divine presence — a deeply rooted aspect of the Church’s identity.

Regarding the lecture’s theme, “In the world, not of the world”, His Holiness explained that it is a real invitation: How can the Church and believers live fully within society while staying true to their spiritual calling? He pointed to the Coptic Orthodox Church as an example — rooted in Egypt but integrated across the globe. He emphasized that the Church contributes to society by offering justice and healing, without becoming a tool for ideology or political agendas.

He quoted Jesus Christ: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:16–17)
He explained that the Coptic Church has always seen itself as a witness, not a ruler — one of love, truth, and hope.

“We do not compete, but complete. We do not impose, but propose. We do not isolate, but integrate,” His Holiness continued. “The Church does not seek to be a state within a state, but rather acts as a moral compass, a safe haven, and a vessel of light.”

He also spoke about the monastic tradition that originated in Egypt: “Monasticism was born in Egypt, in the deserts of the Nile Valley, through Saint Anthony the Great — our spiritual father, who has left a legacy revered in all traditions. Every monk and nun, East or West, Catholic or Orthodox, is indebted to this Egyptian ascetic.”

He elaborated on the Christian concept of the common good, highlighting the Church’s long history of establishing schools, hospitals, orphanages, and ministries for prisoners and refugees — always speaking truth in difficult times.

“We live in complex times,” he said, “where secularism expands and is often tempted by ideological rigidity or isolation. Extremism is no longer limited to misinterpretations of religion — we now see new forms of secular extremism that reject faith, stifle dialogue, and restrict the human spirit.” He warned against both paths, stating: “We cannot abandon society, nor can we allow ourselves to be used for political agendas.”

When the Church speaks on issues like migration, the environment, or human rights, it does so from the belief that every person is created in the image of God and deserves peace, dignity, and justice.

“Perhaps no Church understands this balance better than the Church of Egypt,” he added. “For two thousand years, we’ve been part of the nation, and yet Copts have held fast to their faith through empires and upheavals, always seeking to serve, love, and persevere.”

He shared a powerful personal memory from 2013, following the fall of a hardline regime, when churches and Christian institutions were attacked. He said, “I felt a moral responsibility to speak, to call for calm, and to affirm our shared life. I said words I repeat to you today — not as a statement of despair, but a declaration of hope: A homeland without churches is better than churches without a homeland.”

He concluded: “The Church’s role is not to protect stones, but to safeguard the collective spirit. We can always rebuild structures — but we never abandon those we are called to live with and serve.”

“Do not fear this journey. Engage in your communities. Love your countries. Defend truth. But carry with you the humility of service, not the pride of power. Let us walk together — Church and society, believers and seekers, hopeful and hurting — toward a world where dignity is protected, peace is pursued, and the divine image in every person is honored.”

It is worth noting that the College of Europe in Natolin has hosted a number of world leaders and policymakers throughout its history, including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former French President François Hollande, current Polish President Andrzej Duda, as well as European leaders such as Charles Michel, Catherine Ashton, Herman Van Rompuy, and Michel Barnier, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

After the lecture, the college administration organized a tour for H.H. the Pope and his accompanying delegation inside the historic Natolin Palace, which houses the college, to learn about its rich history and architectural and cultural significance.

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