Polish Church pardon for anti-Semitism

Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in Poland are asking forgiveness for what they call historical failings among the clergy and their followers, including tolerance of anti-Semitism.

In a letter of apology to be read in churches nationwide later today, Sunday the bishops admit that, although Poles made noble efforts to save Jews during the second world war, they had also showed indifference or enmity.

The letter which was approved late on Friday also appeals for a strengthening of Christian solidarity with the people of Israel to prevent such tragedies as the Holocaust ever happening again.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service