Archbishop Apuron Plans to File Defamation Lawsuit over Recent Allegations

By Clynt Ridgell
Pacific News Center
November 29, 2014

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/guam/item/1008-archbishop-plans-to-file-defamation-lawsuit-over-recent-allegations


Archbishop Says He Was "Received Warmly" by Pope Francis During Recent Meeting

According to a press release from the Archdiocese of Agana, Archbishop Anthony Apuron met with Pope Francis on Friday the 21st in a private audience at the Vatican. The meeting was at the request of the Archbishop and according to the release the Archbishop was received warmly. Archbishop Apuron is quoted in the release saying in part "I wanted to speak with the Holy Father about the situation of the Church in Guam, and the critical role we play in the evangelization of the Pacific; We spoke of the challenges and the joys of our local Church."

The release also addressed "allegations appearing here in the media". The Archbishop is quoted as saying "it is a horrible calumny and I am obliged to defend not my person but the Church. On the advice of legal counsel I will not answer any questions. However, defending the Church compels me to file a suit for defamation; any damages that I receive I will not keep for myself, but will be given to the charitable causes of our Church." The release does not indicate who the defamation suit will be filed against. The release ends with the Archbishop saying "I trust that the members of our Guam Catholic family who have observed my actions and leadership for the last thirty years will know in their hearts and spirit that these allegations are false."