Prague Archbishop says trust in Church damaged by misconduct allegations

Prague Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl says public trust in the Catholic Church has been seriously damaged by allegations of moral and financial misconduct that took place within the Church in the recent past, including at the Archbishopric's headquarters.

In his first pastoral letter since taking over as head of the Czech Catholic Church this year, Přibyl said he feels pain, frustration and shame over the cases and the scandal they have caused. He has called on the faithful to join him on a penitential pilgrimage to Hájek near Prague on October 5.

Police began prosecuting former executive director of the Prague Archbishopric and deacon Antonín Juriga in early August, primarily over a number of alleged rapes. Some of the offences are alleged to have taken place inside the archbishopric building itself.

Juriga is also suspected of economic crimes. Investigators are examining financial transactions linked to the purchase of apartments and the sale of land.