Polish bishop resigns amid alleged sex scandal at diocese

The Vatican has approved the resignation of Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak, a Polish bishop who stepped down amid a sex scandal involving clergy within his diocese in Sosnowiec, a city in southern Poland. Over the past few years, the diocese has faced several scandals related to priests under Kaszak’s administration.

In a farewell message posted on the parish website, Kaszak expressed gratitude to the congregation for their dedication in building the Church of Sosnowiec but did not provide a specific reason for his resignation. He also asked for forgiveness for any shortcomings, stating that if he had offended anyone or neglected his duties, he deeply regretted it.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Polish Apostolic Nunciature announced that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak from his position as Bishop of Sosnowiec. Archbishop Adrian Galbas of Katowice was appointed as his successor.

The allegations leading to Bishop Kaszak’s resignation are related to an incident in September, widely covered by Polish media, in which a priest identified as Fr. Tomasza Z reportedly hosted several other priests and a male prostitute at his apartment.

The sex worker lost consciousness, and an ambulance was dispatched; however, paramedics were originally denied entry to treat the sufferer until police were contacted.