Jewish groups complain the papal cross disturbs the memory of the more than 1 million Jews killed at Auschwitz and Birkenau and want it removed.
32.
Last week, a conservative radio station linked to the Solidarity political movement inspired supporters to place about 50 smaller crosses next to the papal cross.
33.
Government spokesman Jaroslaw Sellin told journalists after the Cabinet meeting that the government also wanted the smaller crosses removed but for the papal cross to remain.
34.
Earlier this year, Jewish groups refused to sign a dlrs 93.5 million development plan for Auschwitz-Birkenau because of the papal cross.
35.
The Roman Catholic church and the government have called this week for the removal of the smaller crosses, but say the papal cross should remain.
36.
The action was taken to prevent removal of the papal cross, placed at the site near Auschwitz in 1988 and visible from inside the camp.
37.
Ernesto DiSabatino later received the Papal Cross of Honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in honor of his work in starting the parish and erecting the church.
38.
The controversy has escalated in recent weeks, with conservative Catholics inspired by religious activist Kazimierz Switon constructing dozens more smaller crosses near the large papal cross.
39.
Because of the papal cross, Jewish groups have refused to sign a dlrs 93.5 million agreement reached last year for preserving Auschwitz-Birkenau.
40.
The agreement reached earlier this year between Polish authorities and Jewish groups did not resolve the dispute over whether the papal cross should be left at the site.
