During Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday (February 18), bishops across Poland held masses and Stations of the Cross to pray for victims of sexual abuse. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś in Kraków and Archbishop Józef Guzdek in Podlaskie emphasized the collective responsibility to address these issues, stating that such abuses are not solely a clerical problem. They urged victims and those with knowledge of abuse cases to come forward instead of remaining silent.

The initiative by the Polish Bishops' Conference (KEP) was marked by a commitment to solidarity with those harmed, highlighting the church's intention to acknowledge and address the painful experiences of victims. Archbishop Guzdek noted that silence only perpetuates the problem, encouraging the community to confront these issues together.

The observance on February 20 marks a significant step in the Catholic Church's response to the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse within its ranks. By actively praying for victims and calling for accountability, bishops are attempting to foster a culture of openness and healing in a society that has often struggled with transparency surrounding such tragic incidents. The statement from KEP signifies a broader acknowledgment of the church's role in addressing these painful realities.