Bishops elect Prof. Piotr Franaszek to chair abuse commission

Bishops of the Polish Episcopal Conference elected Professor Piotr Franaszek to chair the Commission of Independent Experts to investigate the sexual exploitation of minors in the Catholic Church in Poland. The election took place during the 406th Plenary Assembly of the conference in Zakopane between October 22 and 24, 2026.

Professor Franaszek is a historian and professor of humanities at Jagiellonian University. His appointment allows for the assembly of a team of specialists to investigate the phenomenon of minor exploitation. The commission's work will include analyzing documents dating back to 1945, interviewing victims, and examining how Church superiors responded to reports. The first results of this work are expected in 2029.

During the assembly, the bishops adopted a revised statute for the commission. The St. Joseph Foundation of the Polish Episcopal Conference will fully fund the commission's operations, stating that its priorities are assisting victims and maintaining the stability of prevention and protection systems.