A PRIEST was found dead in a church which has been closed amid a police investigation.
Father Bogdan Palka was found at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Perth on Saturday afternoon.
Police said they were treating the 61-year-old’s death as “unexplained” and the church has been closed until further notice, The Courier reported.
Reverend Krzysztof Jablonski, permanent deacon at the church, confirmed the body was Father Palka on Sunday.
Officers were called to the church on Glenearn Road at around 2pm on Saturday.
Rev Jablonski said: “This is the most desperate and sad situation. I’m lost for words and have no idea what the church does next.
“All we can do at this stage is pray for Father Palka.”
A message on the church website confirms that all services have been cancelled until further notice, according to The Courier.
Father Palka moved to St Mary Magdalene’s Church from St John the Baptist in July 2022, Rev Jablonski said.
He added: “He has been located in Perth for 10 years and is very poplar with his congregation.
“The diocese will have a meeting on Monday to make further preparations during this difficult and sad time.
“However, police have given us no indication so far how long it will be before we can expect to return to the church.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were called to an address in Glenearn Road, Perth at around 2.20pm on Saturday, May 18, following the sudden death of a man.
“The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”
