The changes are based on the amendment to the Code of Canon Law of December 2021 introduced by Pope Francis, which restored financial penalties to the church law system. These include both fines and the possibility of being deprived of all or part of church remuneration.
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The Episcopate's decision and the consent of the Vatican
Detailed rules for determining financial penalties were adopted by the Polish Episcopal Conference during the 402nd Plenary Meeting in Gdańsk on October 14, 2025. As indicated in the announced document, the amount of the fine will be determined in relation to the minimum wage applicable on the date of imposing the penalty.
This means that Financial sanctions will be automatically linked to changes in the minimum wage in Poland.
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Limits and purpose of punishment
The decree specifies that the authority imposing the penalty will also specify the entity to which the punished person is to pay the adjudicated amount, in accordance with church purposes. At the same time, it was emphasized that deprivation of wages cannot lead to the deprivation of funds necessary for decent subsistence. The amount left at the disposal of the punished person cannot be lower than the amount free from bailiff seizure provided for in Polish law.
The document was published on the official website of the Polish Episcopal Conference and in the official periodical “Acts of the Polish Episcopal Conference”. The new regulations are intended – as Church representatives emphasize – to strengthen the system of responsibility and internal discipline.
