Pope Francis imposes sanctions on
US bishop
 |
| Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, former Ordinary of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston (USA) |
Pope Francis has imposed disciplinary measures against
Bishop Michael Bransfield, following an investigation into accusations of
sexual harassment and financial mismanagement.
By Vatican News
On Friday, the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, in the US
state of West Virginia, released a communique from
the Apostolic Nunciature in the United States, detailing “disciplinary
measures” for Bishop Michael J Bransfield.
Bishop Bransfield served as Ordinary for Wheeling-Charleston
from 2005 until 2018, when his resignation was accepted by Pope Francis
immediately following his 75th birthday. At that time, the Holy
Father appointed Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore as Apostolic
Administrator of the Diocese, and instructed him to conduct an investigation
into allegations of sexual harassment of adults and financial improprieties
made against Bishop Bransfield.
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is a suffragen of the
Metropolitan See of Baltimore.
Earlier this year, Archbishop Lori wrote a letter to
the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, explaining the
findings of his investigation. He revealed that his “investigative team determined
that the accounts of those who accused Bishop Bransfield of sexual harassment
are credible.” The investigation further determined that “Bishop Bransfield
engaged in a pattern of excessive and inappropriate spending.”
Friday’s communique from the Nunciature stated that, “based
on the findings of the investigation,” Pope Francis has decided on a number of
disciplinary measures for Bishop Bransfield. Specifically, he is prohibited
from residing in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; he is prohibited from
presiding or participating anywhere in any public celebration of the Liturgy;
and he is obligated to make personal amends for some of the harm he has caused.
“The nature and extent of the amends” will be decided “in consultation with the
future Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston.”
The Nunciature’s statement concludes: “In taking these
concrete actions, the Holy See expresses its sincere concern for the clergy,
religious and laity of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét