[3] Despite being prohibited from exercising his ministry as a result of these accusations, he continued to do so and was never held legally accountable for the alleged sexual abuse.

[4] Paetz was born on 2 February 1935 in Poznań and ordained a priest 28 June 1959 in Poznan Cathedral by Archbishop Antoni Baraniak.

He was consecrated bishop 6 January 1983 in St. Peter's Basilica by Pope John Paul II and took possession of his diocese on 13 March 1983.

"[10][11] It was reported in 2010 that Pope Benedict XVI lifted these restrictions,[12] which Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi denied saying his "rehabilitation was without foundation".

[13] Paetz remained Archbishop emeritus, having been replaced in Poznań by Stanisław Gądecki on the day he retired in 2002.

He continued to participate in episcopal ordinations and was seen on Polish TV greeting Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to Poland in 2006.