Pope Francis accepts resignation of Polish bishop of Kalisz diocese

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the bishop of the Polish diocese of Kalisz, western Poland, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland reported on Saturday.

The Apostolic Nunciature explained that bishop Edward Janiak, whose resignation has been accepted, has been obliged, since June, to stay outside the diocese of Kalisz in connection with ongoing proceedings regarding his alleged negligence concerning some diocesan priests accused of sexual abuse.

Last May, a documentary by brothers Tomasz and Marek Sekielski showed how bishop Janiak failed to take action against priests who were known to have abused children.

Archbishop Grzegorz Rys has been appointed as apostolic administrator of the Kalisz Diocese. This begins a time period of sede vacante, the Latin term for 'the seat being vacant,' until a new bishop is appointed and installed.