PHILIPPINES
ABS-CBN
MANILA – Pope Francis will have the final say on whether the Filipino priest caught with a 13-year old girl will be expelled from the priesthood or not, Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz said on Sunday.
Cruz told radio DZMM that the most serious punishment the Church can impose on Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos is to strip him of his priesthood.
Lagarejos was arrested in Marikina last July 28 while allegedly on his way to a motel with a 13-year-old girl.
Cruz said Lagarejos’ case will be sent to a congregation of the clergy who will then make a recommendation to Pope Francis.
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