With the certainty of a prosecutor, many media claimed this week that John Paul II, when he was archbishop of Krakow from 1964 to 1978, "covered up" cases of pedophile priests.
The accusation was brought by a documentary aired on Monday March 7 on the private Polish channel TVN24, signed Marcin Gutowski, and by the simultaneous publication in Poland of a book entitled Maxima culpa, John Paul II knew, written
by
the
journalist
Ekke Overbeek, of Dutch nationality.
Three cases of priests would be involved.
One is poorly documented.
The second priest, after serving a prison sentence for sexually assaulting a young girl, was reportedly allowed to resume pastoral service by the Archbishop.
The third priest, accused of assaulting boys, was exfiltrated to Austria by Bishop Karol Wojtyla, according to the accusers.
These accusations have caused a very strong emotion in Poland and in the world.
John Paul II, pope from 1978 to 2005, canonized in 2014
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 79% left to discover.
Want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
Without engagement.
TEST FOR €0.99
Already subscribed?
Login
