On Sunday evening, just after the Holy Mass, a brutal attack took place against Father Lech Lachowicz, a priest known for his patriotic views. The priest suffered serious head injuries and remains in critical condition in the hospital.
The shocking incident occurred at the rectory of the parish of St. Brother Albert in Szczytno (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship). The 72-year-old parish priest, Father Lech Lachowicz, was severely beaten. The priest was in very serious condition, with numerous head injuries, and was taken to hospital, first in Szczytno, and then in Olsztyn.
As reported by Polish news outlet Tygodnik Szczytno, police and forensic technicians immediately arrived at the scene and secured evidence. According to witnesses, the interior of the building “bears traces of the brutality of the attack,” which suggests that the perpetrator acted with extreme aggression. The priest’s injuries were so serious that immediate medical intervention was necessary to save his life.
The perpetrator of the attack escaped but police have since arrested a 23-year-old man from Szczytno.
“The attacked parish priest is a charismatic clergyman who could have offended some people with his views and statements. However, it is possible that the attack was solely motivated by robbery,” reported Tygodnik Szczytno.
Residents are shocked over the incident.
The attack took place on Sunday, Nov. 3, after 6:00 p.m., just after the evening Mass. A man broke into the rectory and brutally beat the priest. Most likely, the attacker was scared off by the housekeeper, who used pepper spray.
The Curia of the Archdiocese of Warmia issued a statement. “Today, November 3, 2024, Fr. Prelate Lech Lachowicz, pastor of the parish of St. Brother Albert in Szczytno, was brutally attacked in the rectory. He is currently in critical condition in hospital. We ask for prayers for him.”
Father Lech Lachowicz has been the parish priest in Szczytno since 1990. He is known for his patriotic views, and in 2001, he was awarded the dignity of honorary chaplain of His Holiness.
