GUAM
Rappler (Philippines)
AFP
GUAM, USA – The head of the Catholic Church in Guam has denied sexual abuse allegations after the Vatican appointed an administrator to perform his duties while an investigation is underway.
Archbishop Anthony Apuron has handed over his responsibilities to Vatican-appointed Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, the Archdiocese of Agana said on Tuesday, June 7.
It said Hon would remain in the US Pacific territory “pending the investigation of an abuse allegation.”
The allegations surfaced last month and date back to the 1970s, with former altar boys alleging they were molested by Apuron, then a parish priest.
In an emotional video address from Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome posted to social media Tuesday, Apuron denied any wrongdoing.
“I reaffirm my innocence and I am a victim of these horrible calumnies,” he said, urging “my dear people to pray for me, your shepherd and for our church”.
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