Polish Bishop Convicted of Failing to Report Clergy Abuse of Minors

Polish Bishop Andrzej Jez was convicted on Thursday of failing to notify authorities about the sexual abuse of minors by two priests under his diocese’s jurisdiction. The verdict, handed down by a court in Tarnow, marks the highest-profile case involving a Catholic Church leader in Poland. Jez was sentenced to two years of restriction of liberty, to be served through deductions from his salary. The ruling is not final.

The case has intensified scrutiny of the Catholic Church in Poland, where sexual abuse scandals have eroded public trust. The nation remains deeply Catholic, with the faith considered a core part of national identity. However, increasing reports of clergy abuse have led to a decline in confidence in the church. A 2025 poll by IBRiS showed that only 35% of Poles trust the Catholic Church, down from 58% in 2016.

Jez had pleaded not guilty to the charges, arguing that the delay in reporting was due to the ambiguity of criminal regulations and the specific circumstances of the cases. His testimony, as reported by PAP news agency, highlighted the complexities he faced in determining the appropriate course of action.

This conviction follows a series of high-profile resignations within the Polish Church. In 2024, a bishop and an archbishop stepped down over negligence in handling sexual abuse cases. These incidents have underscored the challenges of balancing pastoral care with legal and ethical responsibilities.

The court’s decision reflects growing pressure on church leaders to address abuse allegations transparently. While many Poles still regard the Catholic faith as central to their identity, the increasing number of abuse cases has led to a significant portion of the population expressing disillusionment with the institution.

The case has also raised questions about the mechanisms in place for reporting and addressing abuse within the Church. As the verdict is not final, the possibility of an appeal remains. The outcome could influence how similar cases are handled in the future, both within Poland and across the Catholic world.

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