Catholic Poland’s Largesse

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Poland — often berated by the European Union for being unwelcoming — is now embracing over 2 million Ukrainian refugees, according to the latest estimates.

Church Militant's Martina Moyski digs deeper into the ins and outs of one of the fastest-growing refugee crises since World War II.

Waves of Ukrainian refugees — mostly women and children — are finding sanctuary in Poland, a Catholic nation famous for matching faith with action.

Poland is welcoming two-thirds of the 3 million people the United Nations calculates have fled Ukraine since February, when war erupted. Most are entering Poland through the eastern border town of Medyka. Nuns there are opening their doors — as are hundreds of convents across Poland.

The Ukrainians are transported to cities and towns throughout the country.

In Krakow, the archbishop opened St. John Paul II's former residence. He confirmed every parish is involved in similar efforts.

Refugee: "When we cross border, my mother began to cry because my mother needs help. All these people — thank you very much."

Some are finding refuge in Katowice or Łódź or the nation's capital of Warsaw.

And Caritas Polska charity is sending hundreds of trucks filled with essentials into Ukraine.

The Polish government is also setting up a nearly $2 billion fund and signing legislation allowing Ukrainians to stay for 18 months.

At a press conference with Kamala Harris, President Andrzej Duda stressed how "ordinary Polish people feel in their hearts that they should extend a helping hand."

Kamala Harris: "The world has been watching Poland. ... We've witnessed ordinary acts of generosity and kindness ... ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Some media are already fretting about potential consequences of the massive influx. But right now, "witamy," the Polish word for "welcome," dominates the day.

Observers are noting that the generosity of Poles is even more impressive given the massacre of tens of thousands of Poles by Ukrainians wielding axes in the Volhynia region in 1943.

The Poles now welcoming Ukrainian refugees represents not only bigheartedness but forgiveness.

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