Father Henryk Jankowski (18 December 1936, in Starogard Gdański – 12 July 2010, in Gdańsk) was a Polish Roman Catholic priest, member of Solidarity movement and one of the priests supporting that movement in opposition to the communist government in the 1980s. He was also a long serving provost of St. Bridget's church in Gdańsk (until 2004). In the late 1990s he became known for his critique of the European Union and for anti-Semitic remarks, and was suspended from preaching for a year.[1] Father Jankowski was accused of being a pedophile and child rapist but was never convicted. The issue is still being investigated,[2] remains a matter of discussion and an object of press's interest.[3]
According to records saved in Instytut Pamięci Narodowej Henryk Jankowski since 1980 to 1982 was an operational contact codename "Delegat" of communist Służba Bezpieczeństwa.[4]
He supported the Father Henryk Jankowski Institute, described as supporting charities and social projects, by sales of a wine with his image on the label, sold under the name "Monsignore", and had plans to open a chain of 16 cafés in major Polish cities and to market perfume and clothing also bearing his image.
In February 2019 the statue of Jankowski in Gdańsk was toppled by a group of protestors[5] and ultimately liquidated on 8 March 2019.[6] [7]