Incoming Archbishop of Warsaw Stanislaw Wielgus resigned just hours before his official enthronement in the capital this Sunday. It was a dramatic conclusion to one of the worst weeks for the Catholic Church in recent years.
For a fortnight now Bishop Wielgus had been plagued by accusations that he had spied for the Communists. As the pressure mounted from journalists and historians, Wielgus appeared to stand firm. But at the last minute, the Vatican interceded and urged the Bishop to stand down.
A dramatic resignation speech in Warsaw Cathedral on Sunday morning sealed the week's drama.
"After reflecting deeply and assessing my personal situation," Wielgus spoke, "I submit to the hands of Your Holiness my resignation from the post of Archbishop of Warsaw."
Yet whilst there was rejoicing amongst large sections of Polish society, not all were exultant at the decision. A crowd of the faithful remained outside the Cathedral on Sunday to protest against the downfall of the Bishop.
However, it is understood that Pope Benedict himself was angered that Wielgus had lied to him about his past.
Allegations of collaboration with the Communists have plagued the Church with increasing ferocity over the last year. The issue constitutes a painful pill to swallow. There is much truth in the notion that the Church helped the Polish people to overcome the totalitarian regime, inspiring the Solidarity movement itself. Polish Pope John Paul II remains a central figure in the defeat of the old regime.
However, greater access to files has led historians to suggest that some ten per cent of the clergy collaborated with the Communist Security Services.
It is a complex issue, as a climate of fear reigned for decades. Many clergymen were imprisoned, and in 1984 the world was shocked when Solidarity priest Father Jerzy Popieluszko was murdered after standing up to the regime.
The Wielgus case has severely damaged the Polish Church, which has struggled to find a workable solution to the informant issue.
Cardinal Glemp, outgoing Archbishop of Warsaw - and defender of Wielgus - will temporarily reprise his role until a new candidate is chosen.
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