Starting March 1, 2025, a new regulation in the Polish Church will enable the imposition of financial penalties on priests and laypersons holding positions in the Church, as confirmed by the Polish Press Agency. This legislation applies to individuals found guilty of canonical crimes, establishing a formal mechanism for accountability in the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The regulation outlines that the financial penalties will range from a minimum of half the national minimum wage (approximately 2403 PLN) to a maximum of twenty times that amount (96,120 PLN), thereby facilitating the Church's response to misconduct within its ranks.

The decision to introduce these financial penalties was discussed during a plenary meeting of the Polish Bishops' Conference in late 2025, culminating in the recent announcement of the decree governing these measures. As the Church aims to address issues related to accountability, this policy is a significant step in ensuring that clergy and laypersons adhere to their obligations and conduct. The Church’s accountability extends to potential consequences such as fines or forfeiture of ecclesiastical salary for those found guilty of specified offenses outlined in the Church's Penal Code.

While the loss of salary presents a serious consequence for clergymen and lay officials, the regulations include stipulations that may provide some protection against arbitrary penalties. These developments signal a more stringent approach within the Polish Church regarding misconduct and may have broader implications for its reputation and internal governance, particularly in addressing past failures to act decisively in similar cases.