Warsaw: Poland's Catholic Church is actively collaborating with the government to develop contingency plans in the event of war or a significant emergency, as disclosed by Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, head of the Polish Bishops' Conference, to the Polish Press Agency (PAP). This initiative is a concerted effort to ensure preparedness for potential crisis scenarios. According to Anadolu Agency, a special working group has been established, comprising church organizations, the Interior Ministry, and the Defense Ministry, to formulate a joint emergency plan. This group includes Caritas Poland and is focused on a variety of potential crisis scenarios. Archbishop Wojda emphasized that the plan encompasses the evacuation of cultural heritage sites, assistance for refugees, the creation of humanitarian corridors, and the utilization of church buildings as shelters and aid distribution centers. Archbishop Wojda expressed concerns about the possibility of war reaching Poland and highlighted the readiness of the church to act proactively. He noted that many Poles might initially turn to the church for assistance rather than local authorities in times of crisis. This development followed a meeting in mid-March between Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski, and bishops during the Polish Bishops' Conference plenary session. Polish media reports that discussions between ministers and church leaders centered on how parishes could support local communities during war, natural disasters, and other emergencies. With over 10,000 parishes in Poland, both church and state view them as a readily mobilizable local network, particularly in smaller towns and villages where the parish often remains one of the strongest institutions. Government officials have proposed utilizing parish buildings as shelters, supply points, and information hubs in the event of a crisis. Priests are set to receive a practical emergency handbook, and training sessions have already commenced i n some dioceses. Additionally, the government has committed to equipping parishes with generators, medicines, water, and hygiene supplies. This initiative is part of Poland's broader efforts to prepare for potential disruptions stemming from Russia's ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Poland has significantly increased its defense spending, expanded its armed forces, and revived civil defense planning. Historically, the Church played a pivotal role during the early months of the war in Ukraine, with parishes and Caritas centers across Poland providing accommodation, food, and transport for millions of refugees. Officials now aim to formalize that cooperation and establish a permanent contingency structure. The announcement also underscores the Catholic Church's enduring influence in Poland, despite declining attendance and public trust. Although the institution has faced challenges in recent years due to abuse scandals and growing secularization, church lea ders assert that its extensive parish network remains uniquely capable of reaching communities swiftly in a crisis.