Franciscan order cancels venue booking for meeting with Polish politician Braun in Vilnius

The Franciscan-run Vilnius Culture and Spirituality Centre has cancelled a venue reservation for a meeting with Polish politician Grzegorz Braun, known for his eurosceptic and anti-Ukrainian views, the centre announced on Sunday.

The event, organised by Poland’s Confederation of the Polish Crown party, was scheduled for May 1. In a Facebook post, the centre stated that the booking had been made by a third party without disclosing the political nature of the planned gathering. Once this became clear, the reservation was “immediately cancelled”.

“The Franciscan Culture Centre has no connection—past or present—with Grzegorz Braun and has never invited him,” the statement emphasised.

The centre stressed that its venue rental activities, while helping maintain large cultural spaces, are strictly monitored to ensure alignment with its values. “The Franciscan Culture Centre guarantees that its premises are not used for inappropriate purposes or those conflicting with its mission,” it said, reaffirming its “clear position of neutrality” and focus on social, cultural, and spiritual work tied to the Conventual Franciscan order.

Confederation of the Polish Crown had earlier publicised the invitation on its Facebook page, framing the event as a discussion for Poles—both in Lithuania and abroad—on “important issues” ahead of Poland’s Constitution Day. The party later announced it would secure a new venue following the cancellation, citing concern for “third parties who have also become targets of attacks and slander.” Details will be shared on its social media a day before the event.

The planned visit had drawn criticism from segments of Lithuanian society.

Grzegorz Braun, a controversial figure in Polish politics, has previously made headlines for his hardline nationalist stance and opposition to EU policies, including support for Ukraine.