The President of the Polish Episcopal Conference has called for prayers after a priest was killed in a knife attack at a Catholic abbey in the south-eastern Polish town of Jarosław on Thursday.
Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, said he was praying for the priest who died, those injured and everyone affected by the attack.
Polish authorities said five people – four men and one woman – were stabbed.
"It is with great sadness that I received the news of the tragedy that occurred today at the Abbey in Jarosław," Archbishop Wojda said.
"I commend the soul of the deceased priest to God's mercy, praying for him peace and the gift of eternal life, and I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased," he added.
The archbishop also said he was praying for those who had been injured or otherwise affected by the attack.
“I am surrounding with prayer all those who suffered as a result of this tragic event and I ask that God, who is the source of hope and mercy, will guide them through this painful experience,” Archbishop Wojda continued.
Police confirmed the alleged attacker, a 31-year-old Ukrainian national, has been arrested. They said he had entered Poland from Germany earlier on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also condemned the attack, saying: "We are shocked by this evil."
He said the perpetrator should "bear full responsibility according to the law" and that Ukraine was counting on "a quick and thorough investigation of all circumstances".
The Ukrainian embassy in Poland also condemned the attack.
"In such difficult moments, it is especially important to support each other, remain steadfast in respect for human life, and not allow pain to escalate into hatred or new violence," it said.
"Responsibility for a crime must be based solely on the law."
The attack comes amid tensions between some Polish and Ukrainian communities following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has led millions of Ukrainians to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.