Recent media reports have accused John Paul II of covering up child abuse years before becoming pontiff
Supporters march to defend the memory of late former Polish-born Pope John Paul II with a large banner showing the former pope on the 18th anniversary of his death, in Warsaw, Poland on April 2, 2023. (Photo: AFP)
Demonstrators gathered in Poland on Sunday to defend the reputation of late pope John Paul II, who has been accused of concealing child abuse crimes while he was archbishop of Krakow.
Thousands of people in the staunchly Catholic nation turned out in Warsaw on horseback, wearing historical costumes or draped with the flags of the Vatican and Poland, AFP journalists saw.
The events to honour John Paul II were planned by Catholic organisations with the open support of the governing Law and Justice party (PiS).
“As every honest man defends his children, father and mother, all of Poland defends John Paul II,” read one placard carried by demonstrators.
Mariusz Blaszczak, defence minister in the right-wing, populist PiS, which is facing parliamentary elections in a few months’ time, attended the rally in support of Poland’s famous son, born Karol Wojtyla.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and President Andrzej Duda posted messages on their websites defending the late pontiff.
“What is happening in Poland is a huge scandal,” said demonstrator Alicja Fabertynowska. “It’s deliberately aimed at destroying his authority,” she said of John Paul II, who died on April 2, 2005.
The late pontiff is widely venerated in his homeland, even if the official cult of Saint John Paul II is beginning to show cracks, particularly among youth.
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