Heavenly Deceptions

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave
When First We Practise to Deceive

Sad, it is not? There are some personalities capable of mustering the personal strength of character to deny suborning their values and morals, because of an inner grace not shared by all. They are more fearless, more given to their sense of personal responsibility to themselves, and to the world at large. They will not permit themselves to be bullied, to be frightened into a state of compliance. They are not abject and long-suffering, pitiable and insecure individuals. They stand strong and secure within themselves.

Such a one, obviously was not Monsignor Stanislaw Wielgus, recently-appointed archbishop of the Polish capital of Warsaw. Unfortunately (fortunately, as the case may be), Monsignor Wielgus, in public recognition of his failings and his subsequent inability to represent himself as God's emissary to Polish Catholics, has seen the necessity of resigning his post.

Clearly, it has not been to his credit that Monsignor Wielgus initially denied he had any links with Poland's communist secret services. But facts are fairly readily unveiled and more rapidly disseminated, and the public began to oppose his appointment; that of a clear collaborator, which he was forced to admit in shame. As a student in 1967 he was first approached and asked to spy on "antisocial activities" of other priests at Lublin University.

That he was thus tainted cannot have been unknown to the Vatican. Yet Pope Benedict, being "fully aware" of these details, still chose this man to become the Archbishop of Warsaw. Of course the Catholic church has had a long and honoured history of forgiveness. They readily forgive many sins, allowing that man, although made in the image of god, is imperfect.

One has only to look at the too-many painful instances of Catholic priests accused of sexual misconduct with their trusting flock, and the willingness of the Catholic church to shield and protect them from public anger. It would appear that the Polish Catholic church itself objected to the elevation of Monsignor Wielgus, and it was their objection that convinced the Vatican to abandon this unworthy nominee.

The Pope's spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi stated "The behaviour of Msgr. Wielgus in the former years of the communist regime in Poland has severely compromised his authority. The relinquishment of his position in Warsaw and the Pope's ready acceptance of his resignation appeared to be an adequate solution, despite his humble and moving request for a pardon."

A pardon he most certainly will receive, the Catholic church being so given to forgiveness. But I fear the Vatican and Pope Benedict by his rashly-inexpedient decision-making in this instance has severely compromised his own authority. So sad.