CANADA
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal

Montreal – December 22th The Archdiocese of Montreal learned on Friday, December 21, that Mr. William Kokesch, permanent deacon, had been arrested that same day. As a result, the Archdiocese of Montreal immediately removed him from all ministry and pastoral activity.

Having just learned of the charges against Mr. Kokesch, the diocese is profoundly upset. Child pornography is an affront to human dignity, and our first concern rests with those who are its victims.

The archdiocese will be attentive to the needs of concerned parishioners and will co-operate with civil authorities. “We wish to assure all those concerned by this event that we are keeping them in our prayers, and we urge everyone to have confidence in and respect for the judicial process and to await its conclusions.“

As the judicial process is currently under way, no further comment will be made at…