POLAND
The First News
December 8, 2020
A priest who is the director of an influential religious broadcaster has defended describing a bishop accused of hiding sexual abuse by priests as a “martyr”.
Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, director of Radio Maryja, triggered a storm of controversy for remarks he made last week about Edward Janiak, a former bishop of the Kalisz diocese.
Rydzyk said Janiak, who is facing allegations of covering up sexual abuse committed by priests serving under him, was a modern-day martyr and a victim of the media.
Referring to sexual abuse in the Catholic Church he also said: “That a priest sinned? Well he sinned. And who is not tempted?”
His comments provoked accusations that he was trying to excuse incidents of sexual abuse by members of the clergy.
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