Polish MPs want Jesus as country's king

WARSAW - Some Polish lawmakers want to make Jesus the honorary king of their overwhelmingly Catholic country, Rzeczpospolita daily newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The idea has gained popularity since being mooted by a member of the ruling Law and Justice party last spring before a visit by Pope Benedict.

Deputy Artur Gorski said some of his colleagues "were praying in the parliamentary chapel for (Jesus') coronation."

So far, 46 deputies in the 460-seat sejm, or lower house, back the idea, Rzeczpospolita said. And more would support the move if Poland's clergy gave their blessing.

If the motion becomes law, Jesus would join a Virgin Mary icon that was made honorary queen of Poland in the 17th century after she was believed to have helped turn the tide in a battle with Sweden.

- REUTERS