Monsignor Labaki's Family Urges Christian Interference with Vatican, Appeal in Sexual Abuse Case

By Naharnet Newsdesk
The Naharnet
October 12, 2013

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/101940-monsignor-labaki-s-family-urges-christian-interference-with-vatican-appeal-in-sexual-abuse-case


The family of Monsignor Mansour Labaki urged on Saturday Christian figures in the country to intervene with high authorities at the Vatican to allow an appeal in the case of the Maronite father.

Labaki was charged by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican with sexually abusing several minors, LBCI television reported on Tuesday, quoting the French magazine La Croix.

"We urge Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, Beirut Maronite Bishop Boulos Matar, the Maronite Bishops council and all bishops and monks to intervene with Vatican authorities,” the family of Labaki urged at a press conference.

"We call on them and on the colleagues of Labaki and his students to get Pope Francis' blessings to allow an appeal in the case.”

According to the French magazine's report, the Vatican's office charged Labaki on June 19 after a two-years investigations.

The Monsignor reportedly appealed the sentence, but his appeal was rejected by Rome, the LBCI noted.

He was sentenced to a life of penitence and he will also be banned from conducting any ecclesiastical duties or participating in public appearances, La Croix said.

Labaki, 73, is a well-known figure in Lebanon and is the founder of a spiritual movement called Lo Tedhal.

He has also written several books, and composed famous hymns.