Famous Dominican priest Wojciech Jędrzejewski has formally asked the Apostolic See to retract his vows and allow him to leave the Order, sparking debate within the Catholic Church.
Official Statement From the Dominicans
The Dominican Province announced that Fr. Wojciech Jędrzejewski has petitioned the Apostolic See for approval to renounce his vows and exit the Order. The request was accepted and forwarded to the Holy See for further processing. As a result, his public ministry has been suspended since October 1, 2024 amid ongoing canonical proceedings, and the Dominicans clarified that they are not liable for his subsequent conduct.
Known For Youth Work
For years, Fr. Jędrzejewski was one of Poland’s most recognizable Dominican clergy, organizing retreats and pastoral meetings, and collaborating with students and young people. He authored books that sought to blend Christian spirituality with psychological reflection, and he frequently appeared in the media to comment on faith and contemporary challenges facing the Church.
One of the Church’s Most Notorious Departures
His resignation has stirred turmoil within the ecclesiastical community, ranking it among the most high‑profile cases of a priest of his rank leaving the priesthood. Fr. Jędrzejewski has not disclosed his motives publicly, nor has he issued a statement to the general public.
