Cardinal Dziwisz Refuses Court Summons, Cites Health and Vatican Travel
Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz has informed the Krakow Regional Court he will not appear for a scheduled hearing regarding a child abuse case, citing medical recommendations and travel to the Vatican....
Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz has informed the Krakow Regional Court he will not appear for a scheduled hearing regarding a child abuse case, citing medical recommendations and travel to the Vatican.
Table Of Content
The Legal Battle for Compensation
The Krakow Regional Court has been presiding over a 20 million PLN compensation claim filed by Janusz Szymik against the Archdiocese of Krakow and the parish in Międzybrodzie Bialskie. The court previously established that Szymik was sexually abused by the then-parish priest, Father Jan W., between 1984 and 1989.
Dziwisz’s Continued Absence
The court intended to question Cardinal Dziwisz in June, but he was absent due to illness. A rescheduled hearing for July 15 was also missed; Judge Monika Szczepaniec-Czech confirmed that the Cardinal was on a pre-planned vacation, including a trip to the Vatican, lasting until July 31. The court has now set a new date for August 3.
Medical Claims and Legal Consequences
In a formal letter to the court, Cardinal Dziwisz stated he lacks knowledge of the case, noting he resided in Rome from 1978 to 2004. Citing medical advice, he claimed that participating in court proceedings would cause him excessive stress. The court is awaiting a forensic medical assessment; if the findings are confirmed, he may be questioned at his residence, or otherwise face fines or compulsory summons.
The Cardinal’s Defense
Earlier in July, Dziwisz told the media he would not avoid the court, but emphasized that his position as a Cardinal and his service to Pope John Paul II and Poland should be respected. He also remarked that he holds both Polish and Vatican diplomatic passports.
Background of the Abuse Case
In 2025, the District Court in Bielsko-Biała awarded Janusz Szymik 400,000 PLN from the Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec for the institution’s failure to react to abuse reports. The court ruled the Archdiocese of Krakow bears responsibility as the employer of the priest at the time of the abuse.
Historical Context of Abuse
Szymik first disclosed the abuse by Father Jan W. to his superiors after the Diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec was formed, but his reports remained ignored for years. It was not until 2014, under Bishop Roman Pindel, that a canonical process took place. Father Jan W. confessed to the abuse and was subsequently punished by the Church.