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Advocates Philippines
Pope Francis Expels Filipino Priest For Sexual Abuse Involving Minors
Photo credit: Diocese of Borongan
Pope Francis has taken decisive action in the ongoing battle against sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, expelling Filipino priest Pio Aclon from the clerical state due to his involvement in sexual abuse cases concerning minors. The announcement came on Sunday September 17,2023 via an official statement from the Diocese of Borongan, where Aclon was incardinated.
In a circular issued by the Diocese of Borongan, it was stated, "He is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church." This announcement was read aloud in all parish churches, chaplaincies, and chapels within the diocese. However, the circular refrained from providing additional details regarding the case, leaving the public with questions about the specific nature and extent of the accusations against Aclon.
Aclon's last known assignment was at a minor seminary in Borongan, where he served until the diocese suspended him from his clerical duties. His expulsion from the clerical state is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Pope Francis to address sexual abuse within the Church.
Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed remorse and issued apologies for the cases of sexual abuse involving clergy members. He has also pledged to confront abusers and ensure justice is served. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has likewise committed to transparency and accountability in handling such cases, assuring the public that there will be no cover-ups involving the clergy.
To further protect minors from alleged sexual abuses by members of the clergy, the CBCP has established an office dedicated to this cause. Each diocese within the Philippines has developed its own system for receiving and addressing reports of sexual abuse or misconduct.
The statement concluding the expulsion of Pio Aclon was issued by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez, DD, the Bishop of Borongan. It marks another step in the Catholic Church's ongoing efforts to combat sexual abuse and foster a safer environment for its members, particularly minors.
In a circular issued by the Diocese of Borongan, it was stated, "He is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church." This announcement was read aloud in all parish churches, chaplaincies, and chapels within the diocese. However, the circular refrained from providing additional details regarding the case, leaving the public with questions about the specific nature and extent of the accusations against Aclon.
Aclon's last known assignment was at a minor seminary in Borongan, where he served until the diocese suspended him from his clerical duties. His expulsion from the clerical state is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of Pope Francis to address sexual abuse within the Church.
Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed remorse and issued apologies for the cases of sexual abuse involving clergy members. He has also pledged to confront abusers and ensure justice is served. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has likewise committed to transparency and accountability in handling such cases, assuring the public that there will be no cover-ups involving the clergy.
To further protect minors from alleged sexual abuses by members of the clergy, the CBCP has established an office dedicated to this cause. Each diocese within the Philippines has developed its own system for receiving and addressing reports of sexual abuse or misconduct.
The statement concluding the expulsion of Pio Aclon was issued by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez, DD, the Bishop of Borongan. It marks another step in the Catholic Church's ongoing efforts to combat sexual abuse and foster a safer environment for its members, particularly minors.
Sep 18, 2023
