NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      OSWIECIM, Poland (CWNews.com) - Catholic groups on Sunday continued to erect dozens of crosses near the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz, despite pleas by clergy and the protestations of Jewish leaders.

      More than 50 crosses, most nearly 13-feet tall, were added to the field of over 100 crosses as part of a campaign to prevent the original cross located in the field from being moved as demanded by Jewish groups. The original 26-foot cross was erected after Pope John Paul II prayed at the spot in 1979. Jewish groups said the presence of religious symbols at the location where more than 1 million Jews were murdered is an offense to their religion. The sponsors of the field of crosses said they want the cross to stay in memorial of the thousands of Polish Catholics also killed in the camps.

      Poland's bishops have said the placement of the crosses is irresponsible after initially taking a neutral stance. The Polish government canceled the lease on the property currently held by a war victims' group, but a legal challenge has delayed further action.