Polish cardinal apologises for church's sins

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland, Cardinal Jozef Glemp, has publicly apologised for the transgressions of his church during Communist rule.

He said some priests had collaborated with the authorities, believing the system would would last, neglecting their pastoral duties.

The cardinal also asked for forgiveness for those who had tolerated what he said were manifestations of anti-semitism.

The cardinal was speaking at an open-air ceremony that was part of the Catholic Jubilee year programme of reconciliation proclaimed by the Pope.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service