Reuters reported that a Tarnow court convicted Bishop Andrzej Jez on Thursday for delaying notice to authorities about allegations that two priests sexually abused minors, as public confidence in Poland’s Catholic Church has declined.
PAP reported that deductions from Jez’s salary will enforce a two-year restriction of liberty. Reuters said the verdict is not final.
Jez pleaded not guilty. PAP reported that he cited unclear criminal rules and circumstances specific to each case to explain the delay.
Reuters also reported two 2024 departures from the Church hierarchy: a bishop and an archbishop left their posts after concerns about negligence in sexual-abuse cases.
IBRiS put trust in the Catholic Church at 35% in its 2025 polling, versus 58% in 2016.
