Firm Measures for Clergy Who Abuse Minors

By Haidee V Eugenio
Pacific Daily News
September 22, 2017

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2017/09/22/pope-firm-measures-clergy-who-abuse-minors/691779001/

Pope Francis this week said the Catholic church will apply the firmest measures to all those who have betrayed their call as clergy and abused children.

His statement comes as Guam awaits the results of the Vatican's canonical trial of Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, who has been accused by former altar boys of raping and sexually abusing them in the 1970s.

The pope on Thursday addressed the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which gathered for its plenary assembly at the Vatican.

"We are ashamed of the abuses committed by holy ministers, who should be the most trustworthy," the pope said in his prepared remarks.

He said the Catholic church irrevocably and at all levels seeks to apply the principle of "zero tolerance" against the sexual abuse of minors.

"The disciplinary measures that the particular Churches have adopted must apply to all those who work in the institutions of the Church," the pope said. "However, the primary responsibility lies with bishops, priests and religious, those who have received from the Lord the vocation to offer their lives to service, including the vigilant protection of all vulnerable children, young people and adults."

Two of Guam's former and now deceased bishops, and its archbishop for some 30 years, Apuron, are among 15 Catholic clergy on island accused of sexual abuse of children, in lawsuits filed in local and federal court.

The Archdiocese of Agana and most of the plaintiffs are trying to settle the lawsuits out of court.

The Vatican has not released details of Apuron's trial, and Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes previously said he does not have information as to the specific charges leveled against Apuron.

The pope established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to propose initiatives that ensure that crimes that have occurred are no longer repeated in the church.

Contact: heugenio@guampdn.com