Polish archbishop banned for abuse of clerics dies at 84

WARSAW, Poland – Juliusz Paetz, the former Roman Catholic archbishop of Poznan in Poland who was banned from active service after allegations he sexually abused young priests and clerics, has died. He was 84.

Poland’s Episcopate said Friday that, in consultation with the Vatican, the funeral will be a private one and will be held in the cathedral in Poznan. The date was not announced.

In 2002, following allegations of abuse made by some young priests, the Vatican banned Paetz from ministering and church ceremonies. He denied the allegations and had been trying to have the ban lifted.