The ex-parish priest, identified by local media as Mirosław M., faces charges of killing 68-year-old Anatol C. with "particular cruelty" after the homeless man was discovered burning on a rural road near the Polish village of Lasopol last July, according to Polish outlet Super Express.
Authorities allege the two men, who had been acquainted for approximately 25 years, became involved in a heated dispute over the priest's promise to purchase or lease an apartment for the homeless man in Poland's capital, Warsaw.
Officials claim the confrontation intensified after both men stopped on an isolated roadside, where Mirosław allegedly retrieved an axe from his vehicle and repeatedly struck Anatol in the head before covering him in petrol and igniting him, possibly while he remained conscious, reports the Daily Star.
A post-mortem examination revealed the 68 year old sustained severe head trauma along with burns covering approximately 80% of his body.
The ex-priest has allegedly confessed to committing the killing during police interviews, with authorities stating he provided a comprehensive description of the brutal assault. Investigators now assert the murder occurred just weeks following a previous unsuccessful attempt on Anatol's life.
According to the indictment, on June 5, 2025, Mirosław M. allegedly pulled over on an isolated road and requested Anatol inspect his vehicle's engine before hitting him on the head.
Prosecutors claim the assault was disrupted when a passerby unexpectedly appeared in the vicinity, causing the former priest to halt his alleged assault.
Psychiatric evaluations have reportedly determined the former priest completely sound of mind and capable of standing trial. Mirosław M. is charged with murder with particular cruelty and the attempted murder of the same victim.
Warsaw Archbishop Adrian Galbas has issued an apology to parishioners and petitioned the Vatican to remove the priest from the clergy.
The Archdiocese also organized the victim's funeral, with the homeless man laid to rest in Warsaw following a Mass conducted by the city's Archbishop personally.
If found guilty, the former priest reportedly faces the prospect of life imprisonment.