A Polish bishop went on trial on February 18, accused of not informing authorities immediately about alleged sexual abuse of children by two priests in his diocese.
It is the first time a Polish bishop is on trial over sexual abuse allegedly committed by priests under his authority.
According to the Polish Press Agency, prosecutors argued in court on Wednesday that Bishop Andrzej Jeż should have informed authorities immediately upon receiving credible information about alleged child abuse committed by priests in his diocese.
In the case of the two priests under Jeż’s supervision, the Catholic Church did conduct internal investigations and reported the priests to authorities. But prosecutors argued that the law requires reporting without delay.
Bishop Jeż faces up to three years in prison if convicted. He claims innocence, saying he informed authorities as soon as the church clarified the facts and once he became aware of the legal obligation to do so.
“I express my regret and apologies to all those who were harmed and to other people who suffered because of this, often including families,” Bishop Jeż said February 18.
