Traditionally celebrated between 18 and 25 January (in the northern hemisphere) or at Pentecost (in the southern hemisphere), the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity mobilises countless congregations and parishes around the world.

Polish Catholics say the beatification should make people "examine their consciences," and gain courage "to give up egoistic attitudes and behaviour."

Polish congregations in Vienna have protested against a decision to offer one of the city's Catholic churches to Serbian Orthodox Christians

The death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and an entourage in a plane crash in western Russia has united Poles as well as Christian leaders from the country.