Warsaw's New Archbishop Resigns

Pope Benedict has accepted the resignation of new Archbishop of Warsaw Cardinal Stanislaw Wielgus, who gave up the post only three days after admitting he cooperated with Poland's communist-era secret police.

Roman Catholic Church officials in Poland made the announcement Sunday less than an hour before Cardinal Wielgus was to be ceremonially installed as archbishop of Warsaw.

After he was officially consecrated in the office of archbishop Friday, Cardinal Wielgus issued a statement admitting he was a communist-era spy. He had previously denied it. He has expressed regret for his actions, which he acknowledged has harmed the church.

The cardinal's admission of helping the communist security service raised calls before Sunday's ceremonial induction for him to step aside. He said Friday he was leaving his fate as archbishop of Warsaw in the pope's hands.

Church officials said Sunday Pope Benedict has asked retiring archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Jozef Glemp, to remain in the post until a replacement is found.

A church commission said Friday it had found numerous documents confirming Wielgus consciously and willingly collaborated with the security organizations of communist Poland, but there was no clear proof he inflicted harm on anyone.

About 90 percent of Poland's population is Roman Catholic. - VOA News