Vatican City, Oct 24, 2023 - Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak, the 59-year-old leader of the troubled southern Polish Diocese of Sosnowiec, following public outcry over his handling of scandals involving priests in the region.

The bishop's resignation came after he faced criticism for his response to an alleged orgy involving a priest from his diocese and a male prostitute at the end of August. The incident, which took place at a building belonging to the Parish of St. Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels in the city of Dąbrowa Górnicza, was reported to the diocese through local media.

In a letter posted on the diocese's website on October 24, Kaszak expressed his remorse and asked for forgiveness for any offenses or negligence he may have committed. He had submitted his resignation to Pope Francis on September 29.

The Diocese of Sosnowiec had released a statement on September 22, acknowledging the incident and stating that investigations were underway. The statement confirmed the involvement of a priest identified as Father Tomasz Z., who was subsequently stripped of all Church offices and functions pending resolution of the matter. The priest was also removed from his parish.

The diocese emphasized that severe penalties, including expulsion from the clerical state, could be imposed on clergy who committed such offenses, in accordance with Church law.

The alleged orgy was just one in a series of scandals involving priests in the Sosnowiec Diocese, according to local media reports. Bishop Kaszak had also faced accusations of lack of transparency regarding the sudden deaths of a priest and a deacon earlier this year.

In response to the resignation, Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Adrian Galbas, SAC, coadjutor of Katowice, as apostolic administrator of the Sosnowiec Diocese until a new bishop is appointed. Archbishop Galbas, currently in Rome participating in the Synod on Synodality, urged cooperation among Catholics based on truth in a letter addressed to the diocese.

The Polish bishops' conference confirmed the appointment and expressed hope for the nomination of a new diocesan bishop who would serve as "a man 'according to the heart of God,'" as stated by Saint John Mary Vianney.

The Diocese of Sosnowiec remains committed to fully investigating the scandals and holding those responsible accountable in accordance with the provisions of Church law. The harm caused to the faithful and the affected individuals, as well as the damage to the Church's reputation, are of great concern to the diocese.

As the diocese enters a new phase under the temporary leadership of Archbishop Galbas, prayers are requested for the nomination of a new bishop who will serve as a shepherd "according to the heart of God."

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