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The events included religious services, concerts, exhibitions, film shows, book launches and sports competitions. Prayers were said for the Pope’s speedy beatification and in many towns night vigils were staged. In Warsaw a special evening mass was celebrated by the Metropolita of Warsaw archbishop Kazimierz Nycz.The mass held on the square in the city center gathered thousands of Varsovians. Candles were lit at monuments and plaques commemorating the late Pope.

Poland’s President Lech Kaczynski and the PM Donald Tusk met the US President Barack Obama during the informal EU-US summit in Prague. The meeting lasted 30 minutes. Speaking after the meeting President Lech Kaczynski said that one of the most important topics discussed were defense issues. “We have covered the most important issues, including the issues connected with missile defense system and the presence of Patriot missiles on Poland's territory as well as the prerequisites of those two.” Addressing a large crowd in the Prague city centre earlier President Obama said that as long as Iran poses a threat then the anti-missile defence system will go ahead. “Let me be clear: Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran’s neighbours and our allies,” President Obama said indicating that the United States would continue to develop a missile defense shield unless Iran gave up its nuclear program. President Lech Kaczynski also informed that he had invited Mr. Obama to visit Poland. The exact date of the visit is yet to be established.

Polish expectations ran high over the extended weekend of summits involving European leaders and the new US president. It has been an extended and busy weekend for top European and American politicians gathering at the 60th NATO anniversary, then at the informal EU-US summit. Polish leaders, too, participated in both these important events. The biggest build up of emotions at the NATO gathering concerned speculations as to the fate of the prime candidature of Anders Fogh Rasmussen to the post of new Secretary General of the Alliance. Polish president Lech Kaczynski gave the Danish representative his blessing already at the start of the summit and critics were quick in pointing to a wasted chance for Poland in gaining some last minute benefits from driving a hard bargain.