Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz on Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, 03 sep 2007

The late Pope John Paul II's private secretary - Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz - is urging fellow Roman Catholic church leaders to take immediate action against a popular priest accused of spreading anti-Semitism and nationalist politics by Catholic radio.

In remarks published by newspapers Tuesday, the cardinal said the church cannot ignore what is happening. He said the church is on the verge of what he calls a "dangerous crisis," where someone else is trying to set the direction of Polish Catholicism.

Father Tadusz Rydzyk heads Church-run Radio Maryja. Polish human rights groups and Jewish leaders have accused him of making anti-Semitic and ultra-nationalist remarks on broadcasts. The station has a large audience among many elderly and poor Poles.

The father denies he is anti-Semitic and has apologized if his broadcasts offended anyone.

Cardinal Dziwisz has called on church leaders to name a new board of governors for Radio Maryja.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.