The Vatican is the 31st state to support the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.

“Considering the significance of the goal of the Foundation and the support it received from the Polish government, the decision to send support in the amount of 100 thousand Euro has been taken. This sum is so modest due to the limited possibilities. However, this is an expression of full support for the project of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation,” wrote cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.

According to the director of the Auschwitz Memorial Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński, who is also the President of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, the Vatican support is a very important signal. “In it, I see a deep belief about fundamental role of experiencing Auschwitz and the Shoah for the contemporary man, for his choices, problems, and responsibilities. I see hope that our current look into the past may bring us distinct ethical instructions for the future,” said Dr. Cywiński.