IRELAND
Ireland Online
16/12/2004 - 12:01:15
The Pope has dismissed two Irish priests who were convicted in the courts of sexual abuse, it was confirmed today.
The move is believed to be the first time the Vatican has directly dismissed Irish priests using a new fast-track procedure to remove those judged to have committed offences.
A spokesman for the Bishop of the Ferns Diocese, Dr Eamonn Walsh, said: “The diocese confirms that two priests, previously convicted of child sexual abuse, have been dismissed from the clerical state.
“The dismissal of a priest from the clerical state is a supreme decision of the Holy Father.”