Pope Francis has dismissed a pastor convicted of multiple abuses from the clergy. According to the Archdiocese of Cologne, the former clergyman will finally lose all rights and privileges associated with priestly ordination.

A Catholic minister sentenced to 12 years in prison for multiple abuses has been released from the clergy. At the request of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Pope Francis imposed this maximum penalty under canon law, as announced by the Archdiocese of Cologne.

As a result, the former clergyman will lose all rights and privileges associated with priestly ordination forever. According to the Archdiocese, he is no longer allowed to administer the sacraments, to be pastoral or to exercise the priestly ministry in any way. The ecclesiastical proceedings against the pastor were thus concluded.

Dismissal meets approval

Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne welcomed the decision from Rome. The dismissal is more than appropriate, “even though I know…