Chapter on Faith, Politics, and Church Finances in Poland
An outspoken Polish opposition leader suggested that if someone takes the Decalogue seriously and believes that divine Providence supports good people, then they should not vote for the ruling party. The statement was made during a community meeting in Chorzów. He also claimed that the church should not function as a business and that it appears to be fading before the public eye.
During the discussion with local residents, attendees raised questions about how the Catholic Church in Poland is financed and its relationship with the state.
There is no reason to maintain what he described as a system that treats the church as a business. The church, he asserted, should not be a financial enterprise.
He also commented on a recent report and debate regarding what Pope John Paul II knew about cases of priestly pedophilia. He warned that the ruling party would try to stage a campaign framed as protecting the pope.
Tusk’s critique of clerical influence
But whom are they protecting? The opposition leader noted that PiS newspapers and television have framed it as the Pope being attacked again. He described this framing as sacrilege.
He added that the episcopacy, which he claimed is politically compliant with PiS, and even some bishops, could not tolerate the situation. In his view, what followed showed a more human message: no party should use John Paul II as a tool in political battles. He stated that power and authority are harming the church.
All members of the church feel that it is gradually disappearing before their eyes, he said, as money, power, and unsettling rhetoric accumulate.
Later in the meeting he referred again to the Decalogue, suggesting that if one takes the Decalogue to heart and believes in God’s providence supporting the good, then voting for PiS would be inconceivable, he remarked.
A few days earlier, TVN24 aired a report by Marcin Gutowski titled “Franciszkańska 3,” which explored what Pope John Paul II knew about pedophilia among priests. It described three priest cases and the response of Kraków’s former metropolitan, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła. The program also included comments from Dutch journalist Ekke Overbeek, author of the book Maxima Culpa. In response to the report, the Sejm passed a resolution defending the good name of Saint John Paul II.
Among those watching, Donald Tusk’s perspective on social sensitivity was seen as predicting a potential decline of the Catholic Church in Poland. He highlighted the politicization of the episcopate, the use of John Paul II’s image, and the debate over church financing. Critics argue his stance is less about genuine concern and more about awaiting a moment when Polish society might swing toward anti-clericalism.
Additional readings included commentary about how John Paul II has been treated in public discourse and reactions from internet communities regarding JP II’s portrayal in political contexts.
Source indicates a perspective from wPolityce. This piece is part of broader discussions on faith, state finances, and the role of the church in Polish politics.