The Church in Poland has introduced financial penalties as a disciplinary measure for clergy and laypersons performing official Church functions who commit canonical offences. Source: EWTN News.
The move follows the 2021 reform of the Code of Canon Law by Pope Francis, which restored and clarified the Church’s ability to impose financial penalties as expiatory sanctions.
The Polish Episcopal Conference adopted national norms implementing the reform on financial penalties during its 402nd Plenary Assembly in Gdańsk on October 14, 2025.
The decree subsequently received the required approval from the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome on January 26, clearing the way for its promulgation. The Polish Episcopal Conference formally announced the measure on February 26.
Under the new regulations, fines are calculated based on Poland’s statutory minimum gross monthly wage at the time the penalty is imposed.
The decree specifies that the minimum fine cannot be less than half of the minimum gross monthly wage and that the maximum fine cannot exceed 20 times the minimum gross monthly wage.
With Poland’s minimum gross monthly wage currently set at 4806 Polish zloty (approximately $A1852), this means fines would range from 2403 zloty ($926) to 96,120 zloty (a $37,046), depending on the gravity of the offence.
The sanction may also include partial or complete deprivation of Church remuneration.
The new norms apply not only to priests but also to laypersons holding ecclesial offices or carrying out official Church duties, including those employed in parishes or diocesan structures.
By linking fines to the minimum wage, the Polish bishops aim to ensure that penalties remain proportionate and retain their real value over time, adjusting automatically to economic conditions.
Under Church law, a canonical offense is an external violation of a law or precept committed with sufficient freedom and intent. The revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, updated in 2021, outlines a range of punishable offences.
These include abuses of ecclesiastical office, financial misconduct, violation of obligations attached to sacred ministry, disobedience to legitimate Church authority, and offenses against the sacraments.
The law also provides penalties for more serious crimes such as sexual abuse, attempted ordination of women, or the unlawful administration of sacraments.
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Polish bishops introduce financial penalties for canonical offences (By Bryan Lawrence Gonsalves, EWTN News)
