Two Catholic priests from the Sosnowiec diocese in southern Poland have been detained on charges of child sex abuse, prosecutors revealed on Wednesday, October 2.
This is the latest in a series of scandals involving clergy in the region.
Prosecutors launched the investigation into sexual abuse after uncovering evidence while probing a homicide-suicide case linked to two other priests from the same diocese. Three men have now been detained, including two priests and a former priest charged with fraud.
“The two men have been charged with committing sexual offences against minors,” said Jakub Seweryn, a prosecution spokesman. Prosecutors have identified the victims but are withholding further details "for the sake of those affected."
This comes after a scandal last year when the Vatican accepted the resignation of the diocese’s bishop, following reports that one of its priests had allegedly organized an orgy with a sex worker. The incident became public when the priest fainted at the event, and emergency services had to be called.
The diocese has been embroiled in previous sex scandals, including the case of a seminary director allegedly caught having sex at a gay nightclub. In response, the new bishop announced the creation of two commissions in June to investigate these ongoing issues.
Poland, a traditionally Catholic country, has faced numerous sexual abuse scandals within the Church in recent years, including cases involving minors. This year alone, the Holy See announced the resignations of two Polish bishops for their involvement in covering up abuse cases.
Pope Francis has prioritized combating sexual abuse within the Church, enforcing a "zero-tolerance" policy as part of his papacy.
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