Bishop Edward Janiak, Accused of Concealing Abuse, Sends Resignation to Vatican which is Accepted by the Pope

 On October 17, 2020, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland announced a message in which he informs that the Holy Father Francis accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Kalisz, Edward Janiak. From that moment on, Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś managed the Kalisz diocese as an apostolic administrator of sede vacante .

Below we publish the full text of the announcement of the Apostolic Nunciature with an accompanying explanation.

Apostolic Nunciature in Poland - No. 4708/20

MESSAGE

The Holy Father Francis accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Kalisz, Edward Janiak. From that moment on, Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś managed the Kalisz diocese as an apostolic administrator of sede vacante.

 Warsaw, October 17, 2020

+ Salvatore Pennacchio

Apostolic Nuncio

Explanations -  related to the resignation of the bishop of Kalisz

1. In connection with the proceeding concerning the reported negligence, Bp. Edward Janiak with regard to accusations of sexual abuse of some clergymen of the Kalisz diocese, he is still obliged to stay outside the diocese.

2. Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś, the apostolic administrator, has the authority of the diocesan bishop, including the exclusive competence regarding accusations of sexual abuse of some clergymen of the Kalisz diocese, as well as care for their victims.

3. Moreover, as a result of the completed apostolic visit to the theological seminary of the diocese of Kalisz, the Congregation for the Clergy decided to temporarily close this seminary. All alumni of the major theological seminary in Kalisz - present and admitted in the future - will henceforth take part in their formation in the theological seminary in Poznań.

Warsaw, October 17, 2020

Source: https://episkopat.pl/komunikat-nuncjatury-apostolskiej-w-polsce/