05 September 2007
Poland's most prominent Cardinal called on the Catholic Church to take immediate action against a radical priest who is accused of spreading anti-Semitism and meddling in politics. Stanislaw Dziwisz, who was former Pope John Paul II’s private secretary for 40 years, accused Tadusz Rydzyk of splitting the church and damaging the legacy of the late Polish-born Pope. "We cannot ignore what is happening and await what will come next," he said in a speech to fellow church leaders, "We are on the edge of a dangerous crisis -- someone else is trying to set the direction of the faith."
Rydzyk is the head of a powerful Catholic media empire, which includes Radio Maryja and television Trwam, watched and listened to by millions of Poles. Human rights groups and Jewish groups have repeatedly called on Poland's authorities and the Polish church to remove Rydzyk from his position because of anti-Semitic and xenophobic remarks that often appear in his media. However the Polish church has failed to take a common stance on Rydzyk, fearing many elderly and poor Poles for whom Rydzyk is a moral guide would turn away from the Church. Rydzyk has strong support from Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his twin brother, President Lech Kaczynski. Polish media have reported the brothers have promised to defend Rydzyk in return for his support in upcoming elections.
