New York’s Cardinal Stands by Controversial Polish Colleague

Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York stood by Polish Cardinal Jozef Glemp on Sunday, saying the visiting religious leader deeply regretted any pain he may have caused Jews with what many have called anti-Semitic statements.

During a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at which O’Connor and Glemp spoke to hundreds of Polish-Americans on the Polish Pulaski Day holiday, New York’s Roman Catholic archbishop said Glemp had “made clear his deep regret” and the two met with a group of 12 U.S. rabbis after the Mass.

Glemp in 1989 accused Jewish protesters at the site of Poland’s Auschwitz death camp of trying to murder a group of nuns. He also accused Jews of “controlling the world media” and aiding the rise of communism and the spread of alcoholism in Poland.

U.S. Rabbi Avi Weiss led 200 demonstrators outside the cathedral Sunday in protest against Glemp, who was on the last day of a 14-city U.S. tour. Many carried signs that read “Glemp--Stop Hiding Behind Your Cross” and “Glemp--Shame on You.”