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2w ago

Polish Bishop Goes on Trial Over Alleged Failure to Report Child Sex Abuse

The trial is seen as a test of Poland’s mandatory reporting law for abuse of children under 15.

Poland's Catholic diocese of Tarnow Bishop Andrzej Jez stands at a district court before the start of his trial on charges of failing to promptly inform law enforcement about alleged child abuse committed by priests under his authority, in Tarnow, Poland, February 18, 2026. Jakub Wlodek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl/via REUTERS
FILE - The Jasna Gora Monastery, Poland's most revered Catholic shrine, is seen at sunset in Czestochowa, Poland, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Michal Dyjuk, File)
Andrzej Jez, catholic bishop of the Diocese of Tarnów in Poland, testifies at the courtroom of the district court in Tarnów, where he is accused of allegedly covering up paedophilia by priests in his diocese, on February 18, 2026. The Bishop of Tarnow Andrzej Jez is the first member of the hierarchy to face criminal charges for failing to inform authorities of abuse by clergy. (Photo by Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP)

Overview

  • Bishop Andrzej Jez pleaded not guilty in the Tarnow District Court to charges that he delayed notifying police about suspected abuse by two priests.
  • Prosecutors say he was aware of cases involving underage altar boys and argue the law requires immediate reporting to authorities.
  • Jez says he informed police in both cases, apologized to those harmed, and rejects the accusations of delay.
  • The Tarnow diocese denies wrongdoing, citing multiple past reports to law enforcement and a stated zero‑tolerance policy.
  • It is the first criminal trial of a Polish bishop over reporting failures, a high‑profile case unfolding as public trust in the Church has fallen sharply.