The speaker addressed a concern without endorsing a sweeping generalization. Jan Filip Libicki clarified that he did not intend to claim that every parish, every church, or every monastery was involved. He argued that such a broad statement would be false and would misrepresent the situation. This point was made during a response to Tomasz Terlikowski, who has written about pedophilia in the church, and Libicki spoke on the Twenty Past program to comment on his own entry.
Careful readers will notice a touch of bitter irony aimed at Terlikowski in Libicki’s words. He insisted that his post should not be read as minimizing the suffering of those harmed by church-related abuse. He emphasized that his aim was not to diminish anyone’s pain.
Regarding the tensions surrounding the discussion, Libicki reiterated that his intention was not to lessen the legitimacy of the victims’ experiences nor to excuse the wrongdoing. He underscored that the shouldering of responsibility rests with those who committed the crimes, while the church community and society must confront and understand the impact on victims.
On the subject of the film about John Paul II, Libicki noted his personal reverence for the late pope. He described John Paul II as a saint in his view, while making it clear that sainthood does not imply perfection or infallibility. He stated that saints are not flawless and that recognizing human fallibility does not negate the importance of their contributions or the need for accountability.
Libicki also reflected on the story of Saint Paul, suggesting that holiness and moral high ground are complex and not easily defined. He described how early declarations about holiness could be misunderstood or misapplied, and he argued that contemporary standards cannot be judged by the expectations of centuries past. He highlighted the evolving understanding of crimes such as pedophilia and the corresponding shifts in societal responses as part of the broader historical context. Libicki concluded that it is essential to look at the suffering of victims through a modern lens, rather than clinging to past norms that no longer fit today’s knowledge and ethics.
In closing, Libicki reaffirmed his stance with a steady voice. The discussion continued to center on accountability, understanding, and the ongoing process of addressing the harms caused by abuse within religious institutions. The exchange underscored the delicate balance between honoring the legacies of public figures and acknowledging the harm suffered by victims.
READ ALSO: Alternation between Libicki and Terlikowski. PSL spokesperson apologizes: We strongly distance ourselves from the senator’s entry.
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Source: wPolityce