Resignation of Polish Bishop Amid Alleged Diocesan Sex Scandal

The Vatican has approved the resignation of a Polish bishop who stepped down following a clergy sex scandal in his diocese in the southern Polish city of Sosnowiec. Polands state news agency reported that the parish has experienced numerous scandals in recent years involving priests under the leadership of Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak.

In a recent farewell message posted on the parish website, Kaszak expressed gratitude towards the congregation for their hard work and commitment in constructing the Church of Sosnowiec. However, he did not provide a specific explanation for his decision to step down. Additionally, he humbly asked for forgiveness from parishioners for any mistakes or shortcomings, expressing sincere remorse if he had unintentionally caused any offense or neglected certain responsibilities.

On October 1, 2023, Pope Francis bestows his blessings upon the pilgrims during the Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

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The Polish Apostolic Nunciature announced in a press release on Tuesday that Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak has resigned from his position as Bishop of Sosnowiec. Archbishop Adrian Galbas of Katowice has been named as his successor. The allegations leading to the bishop's resignation are related to an incident in September. This incident, which was widely reported in the Polish media, involved the hosting of several other priests and a male prostitute at an apartment by a priest known as Fr. Tomasza Z.

The sex worker lost consciousness, prompting a call for an ambulance. However, paramedics were initially denied access to the victim until the police were involved. Fr. Tomasza Z has been subsequently dismissed, as reported by PAP.