Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki offered a gesture of support for the legacy of John Paul II after media reports into the extent to which the former pope knew about a pedophilia endemic within the Roman Catholic Church have intensified in recent weeks.
The Polish premier changed the background images on his social media profiles to a graphic of the former pope alongside his famous quote, “Do not be afraid.”
A recent report broadcast by liberal TV station TVN24 claimed “John Paul II knew about pedophilia in the church. As a cardinal, he protected primarily the institution, not the victims.”
As attempts to “cancel” the former pope grow, many Poles are standing up in defense of the Polish pope and publishing graphics, photos, and quotes from his teachings on social media.
Father Robert Skrzypczak, Ph.D., a priest of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and a professor at the Catholic University, believes that the attacks on Pope John Paul II are attempts “to weaken and corner” the Church in Poland so that it does not have an impact on important matters such as bio-ethical issues and abortion and so that it does not influence the younger generation.
He also suggests that these attacks on John Paul II are based on speculation and generalizations, propelled by communist papers and dubious testimonies.
“One of the pillars of the church is sanctity. An example of what strengthened an entire generation is John Paul II. It is not surprising, then, that these pathetic attacks on John Paul II are constantly taking place,” Father Skrzypczak told the conservative daily Gazeta Polska.
