Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki condemned the brutal attack on Father Marcin from Szczecin in a post on social media.
The incident took place on the morning of Sept. 15, and involved a 30-year-old man destroying the vestibule of a local church, including an antique cross, incensory, and church font. The man then attacked the priest. The police and prosecutor’s office are currently investigating the affair.
“I spoke with Father Marcin of the Saint Joseph parish in Szczecin. On Wednesday, he was taken to hospital due to the physical assault he suffered. The priest was a victim of the aggression of a man who had earlier destroyed a crucifix in the church. When Father Marcin defended the church and symbols of faith, he was beaten up. Thankfully, the culprit is already in police custody, and I hope he receives appropriate punishment,” Morawiecki wrote on Facebook.
The prime minister pointed out that the assault against Father Marcin was only one example of the increasingly common acts of violence against priests and Catholics, as well as acts of vandalism and desecration of churches in Poland.
“I would like to clearly emphasize that there is no and will be no permission for such actions,” he declared.
Morawiecki emphasized that the Polish state protects the freedom and security of all Polish citizens.
“It is also our responsibility to respect and defend Catholic symbols and objects which are forever a part of Polish culture and history,” wrote the Polish prime minister.
