ADL asks pope to denounce anti-Semitic priest

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has called on Pope Benedict XVI to publicly denounce the continued anti-Semitic statements being espoused by a controversial priest and radio personality in Poland.

ADL, which has long protested about Radio Maryja, the Catholic radio station known for its anti-Semitic broadcasts, wrote to the Pope following the pontiff’s private meeting with Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, founder and director of Radio Maryja.

In a letter to Benedict XVI, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, expressed deep concerns that by meeting with Rydzyk and keeping silent about the issue of anti-Semitism “you have unfortunately lent him the priceless credibility of your office and integrity in the eyes of the world.”

Foxman noted that, “As the founder and director of Radio Maryja, Father Rydzyk is responsible for the anti-Semitic comments and concepts the station regularly broadcasts to millions of Polish Catholic faithful,” and “Father Rydzyk himself has on several occasions made anti-Semitic statements on the air. More...