Prague Archdiocese faces investigation into sexual assault and financial crimes

The Prague Archdiocese is facing significant scrutiny following a police investigation into Antonín Juriga, the former executive director and notary of the archdiocese. Juriga is suspected of multiple sexual assaults, some of which allegedly occurred within the archdiocese building, as well as various economic crimes involving real estate transactions and land sales.

In response to these revelations, Archbishop Přibyl has initiated audits of the office's finances from the era of his predecessor, Jan Graubner, after discovering unfavorable agreements. The archdiocese is currently working with external lawyers to review commercial contracts and is cooperating fully with police investigations.

Addressing the community in a pastoral letter, Archbishop Přibyl acknowledged that trust in the church has been severely damaged by these suspicions of moral and property crimes. To seek spiritual atonement, he has invited the Prague diocese to participate in a pilgrimage of repentance to Hájek u Prahy on October 5, 2026.