Controversial Film About Pope john Paul II to Air on Polish Television Tonight
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Warsaw, Poland – October 6, 2025, 10:15 CET – A documentary film that ignited fierce debate and sparked legal challenges upon its initial release will be broadcast on Polish Television (TVP) this evening. Kler, directed by Wojciech Smarzowski, examines allegations of sexual abuse and corruption within the Catholic Church in Poland during the communist era and beyond. Its re-airing comes amidst ongoing national conversations about accountability and clarity within religious institutions,and is expected to draw notable viewership and renewed scrutiny.
The film, released in 2018, caused an immediate uproar, prompting both condemnation and praise. Critics lauded its unflinching portrayal of systemic failings, while others accused it of anti-clerical bias and historical inaccuracies. The broadcast arrives as Poland grapples with the fallout from a recent report detailing widespread abuse cases, intensifying the demand for institutional reform and justice for victims. The airing of Kler is anticipated to further fuel this national dialog and perhaps influence public opinion regarding the ChurchS role in Polish society.
The Film’s Content and Initial Reaction
Kler is a fictionalized account inspired by real-life testimonies and investigations into abuse within the Polish Catholic Church. The narrative follows the intertwined stories of several priests, depicting instances of sexual assault, cover-ups, and the abuse of power. The film does not focus on Pope John Paul II directly, but portrays the atmosphere within the Church during his papacy, suggesting a culture of silence and complicity.
upon its release in February 2018, Kler quickly became a box office success, attracting over 3.7 million viewers – making it one of the most popular Polish films of all time. however, it also faced legal challenges from several priests who alleged defamation. These lawsuits where ultimately unsuccessful, with courts consistently ruling in favor of artistic freedom and the public interest.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Debate
The legal disputes surrounding kler centered on claims that the film falsely portrayed specific individuals and damaged their reputations. One priest, Father Isakowicz-Zaleski, publicly criticized the film, stating it contained inaccuracies and unfairly generalized the experiences of abuse victims. Despite these objections, Polish courts upheld the film’s right to present a critical outlook on the Church.
The controversy surrounding Kler extended beyond the courtroom. The film sparked heated debates in the media and among the public, with supporters arguing it was a necesary exposé of systemic abuse, and opponents claiming it was a biased and sensationalized attack on the Church.The film’s re-airing on TVP is likely to reignite these debates, notably in light of recent revelations about abuse cases and the ongoing demand for accountability.
„kler” to film, który wstrząsnął Polską. Dziś wieczorem ponownie będzie można go obejrzeć w TVP. Czy wywoła to kolejną falę dyskusji? https://t.co/example
— TVP Info (@TVPInfo) 1672531200
The Context of the re-Airing
The decision to re-broadcast Kler on Polish Television comes at a sensitive time for the Catholic Church in Poland. A recent self-reliant report,commissioned by the Polish Episcopal Conference,revealed that at least 382 priests were accused of sexually abusing minors between 1945 and 2020. The report acknowledged systemic failings in handling abuse allegations and called for greater transparency and accountability.
This re-airing is also occurring within a broader context of increasing scrutiny of religious institutions worldwide. The Catholic Church has faced numerous scandals related to sexual abuse and cover-ups in recent decades, leading to calls for reform and greater protection for victims. The broadcast of Kler is expected to contribute to this ongoing conversation and potentially influence public opinion regarding the Church’s response to these issues. The film will air on TVP1 at 8:30 PM CET on October 6, 2025.
