# Polish Catholic Church misconduct investigations

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/polish-catholic-church-misconduct-investigations
> Updated: 2026-10-29T07:08:23.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

The Polish Catholic Church has faced legal and canonical scrutiny regarding the conduct of various clerics. In the Bielsko-Żywiecka Diocese, Father Józef Zborek was removed from his position as parish priest in Grojec following a Vatican-confirmed investigation into canonical violations. The Diocese alleged that Zborek systematically exceeded legal limits for celebrating masses and admitted to destroying church documentation, including mass intention books. These allegations led to local unrest and protests by parishioners.

In a landmark legal development, the District Court in Tarnow convicted Bishop Andrzej Jeż for failing to report sexual crimes committed by two priests, Stanisław P. and Tomasz K., within the Tarnów diocese. This marks the first time in Polish history that a sitting diocesan bishop has been convicted for failing to fulfill the legal obligation to report pedophilia to law enforcement. 

The court sentenced Jeż to two years of restriction of liberty, which includes a 25 percent monthly salary deduction to be donated to the Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (Give Children Strength Foundation). He was also ordered to pay 20,000 PLN in reparations to the Fund for Victim Assistance and Post-Penitentiary Assistance. During the proceedings, the court rejected the bishop’s defense, ruling that secular law takes precedence over Vatican protocols regarding pontifical secrecy. The Tarnow Curia has announced its intention to appeal the verdict.

## Claims

- Bishop Andrzej Jeż was found guilty of failing to report sexual crimes committed by subordinates. (reported by 12 sources)
- The sentence includes two years of community service with a 25 percent monthly salary deduction. (reported by 11 sources)
- The deducted funds will be directed to the Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę. (reported by 9 sources)
- The crimes involved two priests identified as Stanisław P. and Tomasz K. (reported by 6 sources)
- The bishop was ordered to pay 20,000 PLN in total reparations to the Fund for Victim Assistance. (reported by 5 sources)
- The court ruled that secular law takes precedence over the Vatican's pontifical secrecy in such cases. (reported by 3 sources)
- The failure to report led to the statute of limitations expiring for some victims. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Bishop Andrzej Jeż convicted in landmark Polish abuse reporting case

Polish Bishop Andrzej Jeż has been convicted of failing to promptly report sexual abuse by two priests. He received a two-year sentence involving salary deductions for child protection charities.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bishop-andrzej-je-convicted-in-poland-for-failing-to-report-sexual-abuse

### 2026-10-14: Grojec parish priest removed following allegations of canonical violations

The Bielsko-Żywiecka Diocese has removed Father Józef Zborek from his post in Grojec for violating canon law through excessive mass intentions and destroying church documentation.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bielsko-ywiecka-diocese-disputes-former-priests-claims-over-removal

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Cite as: Polish Catholic Church misconduct investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/polish-catholic-church-misconduct-investigations