Roma up for sale as church prays for temple funds

The building that houses the Roma theatre, at ul. Nowogrodzka 49 in Warsaw, is very likely to come into the city's hands, subject to the Pope's approval. The owner of the property, the Archdiocese of Warsaw, plans to sell it for some zł.50 million, acoording to Polish daily Rzeczpospolita.

Talks between the Archdiocese and the City Hall on the transaction started several months ago. Clerical law says that if a transaction is worth more than $1 (zł.3.32) million, it has to obtain the consent of the Vatican. A proper document was already handed in and the archdiocese expects to get a positive answer before Christmas.

The bulk of the building's space is leased from the Archdiocese by the City Hall. The Roma music theatre, the Warsaw Chamber Opera, and the Polish Actors Association (ZASP) are paying rent. The building is also occupied by several clerical institutions. The complex was built in the 1930s and was a seat of for the archdiocese' Catholic Action group.

The decision to sell the asset was brought about by the need for new funds that would help finance the construction of the gargantuan Temple of Holy Providence. Although the corner stone was laid on the construction site in 2002, the complex has hardly emerged from the ground. In 2004 works were ceased due to a lack of funds. The temple's plot, which has approximately six hectares, is included in the spatial development plan for western Wilanów. It is to be 40 meters high and will occupy 9,200 sqm. The total cost of the temple is zł.100 million. So far, zł.30 million was spent on the temple and accompanying buildings.

It was as long as 200 years ago that the idea for the Temple first appeared. It was to be a votive offering to commemorate the proclamation of the May 3rd Constitution. Construction stated almost immediately but was subsequently stopped by the partitions. The concept returned in 1921, but then the War prevented any action. In 2000, upon the initiative of Primate Józef Glemp, the concept won support in parliament. In order to complete the next stage a further zł.35 million is necessary.

Agnieszka Barteczko