MANILA (Agencies): Pope Francis dismissed Pio Aclon from the clerical state for sexual abuse of minors, AsiaNews reported on September 18. He had worked at a minor seminary in the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar, the Philippines, before the diocese suspended him from his functions following complaints that proved to be founded.
In a statement, which was read during Sunday Mass on September 17, in parish churches, chaplaincies and chapels, the diocese announced that he was “no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church.”
Father James Abella, chancellor of the diocese, said Pope Francis “has dismissed [Alcon] from the clerical state.” LiCAS News, however, reported that on his Facebook page, Aclon challenged Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, to “provide us the letter” from Pope Francis indicating his dismissal from the clerical state.
CPCP News reported that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] assured there would be no cover-up on sexual abuse cases involving the clergy.
The episcopal conference has also created an office that will help protect minors from alleged sexual abuses by the clergy and each diocese is required to develop its own system to handle reports of sexual abuse or misconduct in accordance with guidelines established by the Holy See.
In a statement the CBCP said, “Pope Francis has repeatedly apologised over the abuses, and vowed to confront abusers and restore justice,” adding that “there will be no cover-up on the sexual abuse cases involving the clergy.”
