GUAM
National Catholic Reporter
Joshua J. McElwee | Nov. 28, 2016
A Guam archbishop accused of sexual abuse is now undergoing a Vatican canonical trial, the U.S. prelate Pope Francis appointed to take over leadership of his archdiocese said Monday.
“The trial has started,” said Agana Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes, who was appointed in October to take over daily duties from Archbishop Anthony Apuron.
“It’s been initiated,” Byrnes continued. “The argument has been exchanged and now it’s kind of like in the second phase of investigation, examination.”
Byrnes, who had previously served as an auxiliary bishop in Detroit, spoke to reporters Monday just hours after arriving in Guam to take up his new position. His remarks were reported at length by Pacific Daily News.
The Vatican’s main spokesman, Greg Burke, did not respond Monday to a request for comment on what Byrnes said.
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