Bishop-elect steps down after report of ‘inappropriate behavior’ toward minor

Michie · Tuesday at 10:07 PM

The report of past inappropriate behavior emerged after Dukielski’s appointment was announced.

A Polish priest who was named a bishop in July stood down before his episcopal ordination due to a report of past “inappropriate behavior toward a minor,” it was announced Saturday.

Bishop Marek Solarczyk with Fr. Krzysztof Dukielski in a video posted on July 12, 2025, by Poland’s Radom diocese. Screenshot from @DiecezjaRadomska1 YouTube account.

Radom’s Bishop Marek Solarczyk shed light Aug. 9 on why Fr. Krzysztof Dukielski asked Pope Leo XIV to release him from his July 12 appointment as an auxiliary bishop of Radom.

The diocese located south of the capital, Warsaw, announced Aug. 6 that Pope Leo had accepted Dukielski’s request to stand aside, but gave no reason for the decision.

But in an Aug. 9 communiqué, Solarczyk said he wished to clarify the circumstances of the resignation for the good of the Church and out of concern for the person involved.

Solarczyk said it was only after the announcement of Dukielski’s appointment that the report emerged of past inappropriate behavior toward a minor.

“In accordance with applicable canon law, upon receiving credible information, the proceedings prescribed by the norms were initiated without delay,” the bishop said.

He noted that “appropriate preventive measures” had been imposed on Dukielski.

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