Warsaw archbishop says he leaves his fate with pope

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Warsaw archbishop says he leaves his fate with pope amid scandal over communist collaboration

WARSAW, Poland: Warsaw’s new archbishop on Friday admitted he had cooperated with the communist-era secret police, and said he was leaving his fate in the hands of Pope Benedict XVI amid calls for him to step aside ahead of his installation Sunday.

Stanislaw Wielgus expressed regret for an act that he acknowledged “harmed the church.” He also said he has informed the pope of this chapter in his life, which he said included a promise to collaborate but never resulted in informing on anyone.

“Before you today, I confess to the mistake committed by me years ago, just as I have confessed to the Holy Father,” Wielgus said in an open letter to the country’s Roman Catholic clergy and believers.

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Personally, I hope that the Pope will relieve him of his duties rather than elevate him. I know that even St.Peter denied Jesus three times, but I will place my trust in any decision that Pope Benedict decides.
 
Perhaps someday a prospective bishop will appeal to the mercy of the Pope for supporting dissent.
 
Maranatha said:
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“Before you today, I confess to the mistake committed by me years ago, just as I have confessed to the Holy Father,” Wielgus said in an open letter to the country’s Roman Catholic clergy and believers.

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One should differentiate between his actions under pressure long ago, and his recent attempts to deny them and cover them up. The latter has seriously damaged his credibility and will impair his function in his new position.
 
Just a technical correction. Apparently he was actually installed last evening, so it should have read “Archbishop Stanislaw Wojciech Wielgus resigned as Archbishop of Warszawa {Warsaw}, Poland.”
 
This is a classic example of the problems that can arise when Churchmen get in bed with politicians and confuse the difference between the secular and spiritual worlds. The Archbishop at the time probably thought he was doing right working with the secret police.
 
Warsaw’s Archbishop Collaborated With Communists
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Poland’s Ecclesiastical Historical Commission clarified that, in virtue of the analysis of the documents of the National Memory Institute, “it cannot be affirmed that this collaboration had consequences for persons or institutions.”
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This type of collaboration was prohibited by the episcopate.
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I suppose the Archbishop Wielgus can be thankful whatever his ‘collaboration’ amounted to it didn’t end in a governmental trial for espionage, or treason.
 
Warsaw Archbishop Resigns Amid Scandal

Stanislaw Wielgus announced his decision at the capital’s St. John’s Cathedral, packed with worshippers gathered for a Mass that was to have marked his formal installation. The congregation included President Lech Kaczynski.

A forlorn-looking Wielgus read from a letter to Pope Benedict XVI in which he offered his resignation “after reflecting deeply and assessing my personal situation.”

casperstartribune.net/articles/2007/01/07/ap/headlines/d8mgfnh80.txt
 
He may have resigned as a bishop, but as a priest, I hope he will be reassigned to perform his duties. I think he can still be very effective…certainly humbled. I hope the door is open for him in this regard.
 
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