Floral tributes have been laid outside a Perth church where a “very popular” priest was found dead.
Father Bogdan Palka’s body was discovered inside St Mary Magdalene’s Church, where he worked, on Saturday afternoon.
Police launched a probe into the death of the 60-year-old – initially treating it as unexplained – and sealed off the church on Glenearn Road.
They have since confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Bunches of flowers and candles have been placed at the entrance to the church in memory of Father Palka, who had worked in Perth for a decade.
One Glenearn Road resident told The Courier police descended on the church at around 2pm on Saturday.
She said: “It was very worrying to see so many police and a church is the last place you would expect to see taped off.
“I saw police officers going in and out of the church all of Saturday and Sunday.
Residents’ shock at ‘tragic’ death of Perth priest
“It’s tragic to hear the priest has died there.
“I don’t attend the church myself but my heart goes out to all those that do, as well as to the priest and those that knew him.”
Another resident said: “It’s just such sad news to hear that there has been a death at the church.
“People here were understandably very anxious to know what and how it had happened.
“For two days, it has looked very much like a potential crime scene.”
Reverend Krzysztof Jablonski, permanent Deacon at the church, said Father Palka’s death had left him “lost for words” and that he had been “very popular” with his congregation.
Father Palka moved to St Mary Magdalene’s from St John the Baptist Church in July 2022.
Diocese pays tribute following ‘great loss’
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Dunkeld paid tribute to Father Palka on Monday.
They said: “On behalf of Canon Kevin Golden, and the priests and the people of the Diocese of Dunkeld, our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to his family.
“Especially to his sister Elzbieta in Poland, as well as to the members of the Society of the Divine Saviour (SDS) whose missionary priests, like Fr Bogdan, do great work around the world.
“To his parishioners at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Perth, in particular Deacon Krzysztof Jablonski and the Polish community who worked so closely with him, we share their great loss and join with them as they pray for the repose of his soul.
“Fr Bogdan was called to serve in Perth in 2014, a community with strong traditional ties to his homeland.
“Prior to coming to Scotland he had carried out mission work in Europe and in the USA.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were called to an address in Glenearn Road, Perth at around 2.20pm on Saturday following the sudden death of a 60-year-old man.
“Inquiries have been carried out and there are no suspicious circumstances.
“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
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