'It's difficult to fall from a pedestal slowly' remarked the late poet Stanislaw Lec. The case of former Archbishop of Warsaw Stanislaw Wielgus presents a glaring example of the aphorism.
Just hours before he was due to be officially inducted at Warsaw Cathedral this Sunday, a circular was released by the Church announcing the Bishop's resignation. Moments later Wielgus confirmed the news himself at Warsaw Cathredal:
"After reflecting deeply and assessing my personal situation," Wielgus said, "I submit to the hands of Your Holiness my resignation from the post of Archbishop of Warsaw."
'No - stay with us!' called some members of congregation.
Others applauded the decision, and across the country many celebrated the downfall of the Bishop, who had been plagued by spy allegations for the past fortnight.
The issue of collaboration of clergymen with the Communists has been an increasingly inflammatory one over the last year since access to Security Service files became easier. However, no case has gripped the nation more than that of Wielgus.
Shortly after Wielgus was announced as incoming Archbishop of Warsaw on December 8th, the allegations began to surface. By late last week, the chorus had become clamorous. Polls revealed that a majority believed that Wielgus should resign.
However, Wielgus stood firm until the last.
It is understood that Pope Benedict himself intervened and ordered the bishop to stand down. Reports suggest that the Pontiff was incensed that Wielgus had lied to him.
The collaboration issue represents one of the greatest challenges to the Polish Church. It is a painful pill to swallow, as the Church is proud of its role in standing with the people against the Communists. Many priests were imprisoned for their stance, whilst Solidarity hero Father Popieluszko was murdered for his anti-communist activities. However, historians are now suggesting that some ten per cent of the clergy collaborated with the Security Services.
Over the last few years, the Church has struggled to find a coherent way of dealing with the legacy.
In the meantime, Pope Benedict has requested that Cardinal Glemp - former Archbishop of Warsaw - resume his post until a new candidate is found. However, few deny that the Church has suffered a major blow, and reports are now coming in that the Priest of Cracow's Wawel Cathedral has also been dismissed for the same reasons.
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