We wrote about the matter in May last year in an article titled “One of the cardinals who visited Bolesławiec is on the list of defenders of pedophiles”. At the time, we asked the Archdiocese of Wrocław whether it had conducted proceedings concerning Gulbinowicz. And if so, what were the findings? We also requested any information about Gulbinowicz as an associate of Church rapists—as the former Metropolitan Archbishop of Wrocław was allegedly helping the pedophile priest Paweł K.
On behalf of the Archdiocese, Fr. Rafał Kowalski responded to us. He denied the press reports, writing, among other things: “I am sorry, but the information you have is not true.”
It now turns out that Gulbinowicz has a great deal on his conscience. He not only helped a pedophile, but is himself accused of molesting a minor.
Information concerning Henryk Gulbinowicz was published on the website of the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland. The clergyman is banned from participating in any celebrations or public meetings and from using episcopal insignia. He has also been deprived of the right to a funeral service and burial in the cathedral. He is also required to make a donation to the activities of a foundation supporting the Church’s efforts on behalf of victims of sexual abuse.
These decisions are the result of an investigation into the accusations made against Gulbinowicz and other allegations concerning the cardinal’s past.
Gulbinowicz is accused of sexually molesting a teenager. The clergyman’s alleged victim was Przemysław Kowalczyk, known as the poet Karol Chum, when he was 16 and attended the Minor Seminary in Legnica.
Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz was a frequent guest in Bolesławiec and the surrounding area. In November 1991, the cardinal consecrated the new church on Jana Pawła II Street (then Broniewskiego Street).
In 2008, Gulbinowicz, warmly and ceremoniously welcomed by village head Dariusz Pawliszczy, attended the “Wigilia Czterech Kultur” in Gromadka. He celebrated Mass for the town’s residents.
Update 18:10
Excerpt from the statement of the Archdiocese of the Archdiocese of Wrocław
The communiqué from the Apostolic Nunciature concerning Cardinal-Priest Henryk Gulbinowicz is painful for us, as the Church of Wrocław, because it shows that in the past certain people were seriously wronged by the clergyman who led our diocese. These people are owed the word “sorry,” and they deserved this judgment. We express our respect for them and declare our readiness to provide support and assistance.
The severity of the sanctions imposed on the cardinal-priest indicates that the investigation confirmed the truth of the allegations made against him in the public sphere.
Fr. Rafał Kowalski
spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Wrocław