The new norms, approved by the Vatican, tie fines to Poland’s minimum wage and can reach up to 20 times the monthly minimum for serious violations of Church law.
The Catholic Church in Poland introduced financial penalties as a disciplinary measure on March 1 for clergy and laypersons performing official Church functions who commit canonical offenses.
The move follows the 2021 reform of the Code of Canon Law by Pope Francis, which restored and clarified the Church’s ability to impose financial penalties as expiatory sanctions.
The Polish Episcopal Conference adopted national norms implementing the reform on financial penalties during its 402nd Plenary Assembly in Gdańsk on Oct. 14, 2025.
The decree subsequently received the required approval from the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome on Jan. 26, clearing the way for its promulgation. The Polish Episcopal Conference formally announced the measure on Feb. 26.
How the fines work
Under the new regulations, fines are calculated in relation to Poland’s statutory minimum gross monthly wage at the time the penalty is imposed.
The decree specifies that the minimum fine cannot be less than half of the minimum gross monthly wage and that the maximum fine cannot exceed 20 times the minimum
