Some Polish lawmakers want Jesus as King of Poland

WARSAW, Dec 21 (Reuters) Some Polish lawmakers want to make Jesus the honorary king of their overwhelmingly Catholic country, Rzeczpospolita daily newspaper reported.

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 yesterday 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 DKA RK0938