VATICAN CITY
Crux
Charles Collins
MANAGING EDITOR
May 7, 2018
An archbishop accused of the sexual abuse of minors and convicted by a Vatican court “of certain … accusations” was given a place of honor at a recent event attended by Pope Francis.
Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron was seen seated with other bishops and prelates on Saturday at a papal event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Neocatechumenal Way movement, which was founded in Spain.
In March, a canonical trial found Apuron, accused among other things of the sexual abuse of five minors, guilty of some of the charges and imposed that he leave his position as archbishop and never return to Guam.
Apuron has consistently denied the charges, and his lawyers have said he is appealing the decision.
Over 150,000 people from 135 countries attended the event at the “Tor Vergata” University grounds, on the Roman outskirts. It is unclear if Francis was aware of Apuron’s presence. A Vatican spokesman refused to comment.
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