Polish Church Leader Criticizes Priest Wishing Francis Death

Poland's leading archbishop has deplored comments by a senior conservative priest who had wished Pope Francis a quick death if he does not open to "wisdom."

Krakow Archbishop Marek Jedraszewski said Saturday he heard about the comments with "pain and regret" and has discussed them with Mgr. Edward Staniek, who said them in a Feb. 25 church speech in Krakow.

Krakow was the seat of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the late Pope St. John Paul II. Poland's church remains attached to John Paul's conservative stance, which differs from Francis' inclusive message.

In his speech, Staniek said he was praying for wisdom for Francis and a "heart open to the Holy Spirit, and if he does not do that, for a quick passage to the House of the Father," meaning death.