Culture and Ideas · November 6, 2026
Vatican Hosts Conference on Totalitarianism
A conference titled "Apostolic See Towards Totalitarian Systems in the 20th Century: New Perspectives and Research" took place from October 28 to 29. The event was organized by the National Memory Institute, the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, and the Pontifical Gregorian University. The discussions were divided into five blocks covering historical periods: 1918-1939, World War II, 1945-1958, and 1958-1989, with the final block serving as a summary.
Researchers examined the relationships of the Apostolic See with totalitarian regimes and dictatorships, country-specific situations, and international relations, including Polish-German relations. The conference gathered historians, diplomats, and students from various global institutions.
Opening remarks were made by the rector of the Gregorian University, Father Professor Mark Lewis SJ, the chairman of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, Father Professor Marek Inglot SJ, and the Deputy President of the National Memory Institute, Dr. Hab. Karol Polejowski. Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivered the inaugural lecture. According to Father Dr. Szpotański in an interview, over 250 participants attended the conference over the two days, which included speakers and moderators as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps accredited to the Apostolic See and students from Roman ecclesiastical and secular universities. Lectures and discussions were held in Italian, English, and Polish.
The event also featured an exhibition dedicated to the Millennium of the Baptism of Poland in the Polish diaspora. Photographs and documents from the Archives of the Church and the Hospice of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Rome were presented. The exhibition was opened by Dr. Hab. Karol Polejowski, Father Prelate Paweł Ptasznik, and others, showcasing testimonies of Poles living abroad commemorating the anniversary of Poland's baptism.