Bishop at Radio Maryja Pilgrimage: “Life Windows” Render In Vitro Unnecessary

Auxiliary Bishop Wiesław Szlachetka of the Archdiocese of Gdańsk addressed the 35th Radio Maryja Family Pilgrimage at Jasna Góra on Saturday, July 11, criticizing current secular state policies and educational reforms.

On In Vitro and Family Values

Bishop Szlachetka argued that “life windows” (safe havens for newborns) exist in every diocese, claiming there is no need to resort to in vitro procedures, which he dismissed as being falsely labeled as infertility treatment.

The Bishop asserted that the state has a duty to protect the family. He criticized attempts to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, labeling the granting of adoption rights to such couples as an act of lawlessness against the child.

Abortion and the Definition of Freedom

Szlachetka rejected the notion that legalizing abortion is an expression of freedom, characterizing it instead as murder. He further argued that schools should prioritize religious or ethical instruction to foster values.

Criticism of the Education System

The Bishop criticized the state for making religious education optional and marginalized within the school schedule. He described the exclusion of religious grades from grade point averages as discriminatory and a sign of disrespect toward believers.

He also condemned the introduction of a new subject he identified as “health education,” claiming it is poisoned with ideology and serves as a replacement for family life education, which he believes facilitates sin.

Warnings Against Atheism and Euthanasia

Szlachetka warned that a persistent drive to remove religious education from schools could lead to the creation of “selfish atheists” who might eventually support euthanasia for the elderly, the sick, and the vulnerable.

Support for Radio Maryja

Concluding his address, the Bishop thanked Radio Maryja for encouraging the faithful to engage in politics. He also asked for prayers for the station’s director, Father Tadeusz Rydzyk, whom he defended against public criticism.

Event Details

The 35th Pilgrimage of the Radio Maryja Family began Saturday afternoon with a concert. The event continues on Sunday with a solemn mass led by Poznań Metropolitan Archbishop Zbigniew Zieliński.