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Pope Leon XIV orders apostolic visitation to Bielsko-Żywiecka diocese
Pope Leon XIV has ordered an apostolic visitation to the Bielsko-Żywiecka diocese in Poland. The decision follows a prolonged conflict regarding the removal of Father Józef Zborek, the longtime parish priest of St. Lawrence in Grojec near Oświęcim.
The dispute stems from allegations by diocesan authorities that Father Zborek violated canon law. While Vatican instances upheld Bishop Roman Pindel’s decision to remove him, the local community has maintained strong opposition to the move. Tensions escalated on October 4, when hundreds of parishioners gathered at the church, leading to verbal and physical confrontations. Police were required to escort Bishop Pindel and accompanying clergy from the building after the crowd blocked the exits.
Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski of Włocławek, who also serves as the chairman of the Legal Council of the Polish Episcopal Conference, has been appointed as the apostolic visitor. He has received full authorization from the Holy See to conduct the mission, though the specific timeline and scope of the investigation have not been disclosed.
Entities
Bielsko-Żywiecka Diocese · Józef Zborek · Krzysztof Wętkowski · Leon XIV · Roman Pindel
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The visitation is related to the removal of parish priest Józef Zborek in Grojec. deon.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pope Leon XIV ordered an apostolic visitation in the Bielsko-Żywiecka diocese. deon.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Diocesan authorities accused Father Józef Zborek of violating canon law. wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vatican authorities upheld Bishop Roman Pindel’s decision to remove the priest. wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police had to escort Bishop Roman Pindel and other clergy from the church. deon.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] On October 4, parishioners surrounded the church in Grojec and blocked exits. wiadomosci.wp.pl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski of Włocławek was appointed as the apostolic visitor. deon.pl · wiadomosci.wp.pl