Priest Adam Kotas, known for his presence on social networks since 2023, was expelled from the Catholic Church by Pope Francis. This event marks an abrupt end to Kotas' career within the Churchas confirmed by the Archdiocese of Las Vegas andn an official statement.
The decision stems from a laicization process conducted by the Diocese of Santa Rosa, California – where Kotas was originally anointed a priest – and means Kotas was expressly prohibited from wearing the title “Father” and clerical garb.
“This secularization was approved by His Holiness Pope Francisco“Secularization means that all rights and privileges associated with the priesthood are lost and the individual returns to lay status,” the text says.
secularization in Catholic Church refers to the process by which a clergyman is relieved of his priestly duties and returned to the laity. This procedure prohibits Kotas from celebrating masses and other sacraments and declares invalid or illegal all religious acts that he performed after his association with the Polish National Church and after his laicization.
The situation became complicated when, following an alleged disappearance in late 2023, Kotas accused the Catholic Church of hacking his social networks and expressed his desire to reintegrate into the church.
However, his application was rejected. Kotas began exposing abuses within the church. Through his digital platforms, Kotas not only denounced inaction in cases of abuse by other priests, but also revealed that he had been a victim of sexual abuse in 2018, a statement that has sparked widespread debate and solidarity on social networks.
Who is Adam Kotas?
Born on November 15, 1984 in Poland, Adam Kotas During the pandemic, he stood out on social media for his energetic sermons and entertaining preaching approach. His popularity on digital platforms earned him followers around the world, especially in Las Vegas, where he lives. However, rumors about his disappearance began circulating on social media a few months ago, increasing uncertainty about his situation.
In July 2021, he left the Catholic Church to join the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC). This ecclesiastical movement has its origins in the arrival of Polish Catholic immigrants in Pennsylvania, USA, at the end of the 19th century. Since 1904, there has been a formal split between the PNCC and the Catholic Church, which arose after the consecration of a bishop without papal approval.
Later, in February 2023, Adam Kotas announced his decision to rejoin the Catholic Church. He expressed regret for previously joining the PNCC.