Rome rejects appeal by former Cloyne priest against dismissal from clerical state over child sexual abuse

Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
January 7, 2015

http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2015/01/07/rome-rejects-appeal-cloyne-priest-dismissal-clerical-state-child-sexual-abuse/

A former priest of the Cloyne Diocese, who was dismissed from the clerical state following a Canonical trial for abusing teenagers and minors, has had his appeal rejected by the authorities in Rome. The decision was taken after a long period of deliberation on all the evidence provided.

Dan Duane, from Mallow, appealed the decision of the Canonical Court in Ireland to dismiss him from clerical ministry to the Apostolic Signatura and Pope Francis. The appeal has now been turned down.

Bishop William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne said: “We are most grateful to the survivors of abuse who had the courage to come forward to tell their stories. This long and painful process for all involved has now reached completion. We regret that the process took so long.

“On behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese may I once again extend my deepest sympathy and sorrow that they had to suffer so much from a person in whom they had placed their trust. I apologise to them once again and to all who have suffered abuse of any kind at the hands of clergy.

“I want to assure the people of Cloyne that the most comprehensive child protection measures are in place in the Diocese to ensure that these evil acts never again occur. We can never be complacent and the work continues on a daily basis, by hundreds of people, to ensure that our children and young people are safe from harm.”

The Vatican’s decision has been communicated privately to the survivors of abuse in this case.