Cardinal Calls for Action Against Poland's Radical Priest

Poland's most prominent Cardinal called on the Church to take immediate action against a radical priest who is accused of spreading anti-Semitism and meddling in politics.

Stanislaw Dziwisz accused Father Tadusz Rydzyk of splitting the church and damaging the legacy of the late Polish-born Pope John Paul, whom Dziwisz served as private secretary for 40 years.

"We cannot ignore what is happening and await what will come next," he said in a speech to fellow church leaders published by newspapers on Tuesday. "We are on the edge of a dangerous crisis -- someone else is trying to set the direction of the faith."

Rydzyk is the head of a powerful Catholic media empire, which includes Radio Maryja and television Trwam, watched and listened to by millions of faithful Poles.

But Rydzyk and his media have been rebuked by the Vatican for openly backing the ruling conservatives.

Human rights groups and Jewish groups have repeatedly called on Poland's authorities and the Polish church to remove Rydzyk from his position because of anti-Semitic and xenophobic remarks that often appear in his media.

But the Polish church has failed to take a common stance on Rydzyk, fearing many elderly and poor Poles for whom Rydzyk is a moral guide would turn away from the Church.

Rydzyk has strong support from Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his twin brother, President Lech Kaczynski.

The priest's strong backing and appeals on the radio and television to vote for the conservatives in 2005 elections helped the brothers rise to power.

"It is absolutely necessary to create a new management in Radio Maryja and television Trwam," Dziwisz said.

Analysts say the Kaczynski's will try to keep Rydzyk in his position because they are counting on his support in an upcoming election. Polish media have reported the brothers have promised to defend Rydzyk in return for his support in the poll, which is most likely to take place on Oct. 21.

Asked to comment on Dziwisz's comments, Justice Minister and close Kaczynski ally Zbigniew Ziobro said: "There are many people who do not share such an opinion. Father Rydzyk and his media are doing a lot of good for Polish people and allow them to participate in prayers and religious life."