Church in Ticino initiates legal proceedings against priests with criminal records
In the Lugano diocese, a 56-year-old priest was recently convicted by the Ticino cantonal criminal court for multiple sexual assaults against minors. Following the civil conviction, the diocese suspended the priest from ministry and has initiated the canonical process.
The canonical process for a suspended priest convicted of sexual misconduct typically involves several stages.
First, the diocesan bishop initiates the suspension or removal from active ministry, especially once allegations are credible or a conviction occurs. In this case, the priest is currently suspended and not allowed to provide pastoral care or celebrate Mass.
Second, a canonical investigation and trial are conducted by the diocese or an appointed tribunal, applying Canon Law. The church is obliged to report a case to the state, and the diocese cooperates with the cantonal victim support center and the "Gava Listening Group" for those affected by abuse in a church context.
Third, if the case involves serious abuses, it is referred to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for a final decision and sanction. This congregation handles grave offenses like sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
Fourth, penalties are imposed, which can include laicization (dismissal from the clerical state) or permanent suspension. The church acknowledges the verdict of the Lugano criminal court in the case of the convicted priest and will make a decision based on the evidence presented.
Fifth, ongoing monitoring or treatment of the offender may be required, sometimes including mandated therapy as part of both civil and canonical measures.
The exact post-civil conviction canonical steps in this Lugano case are not yet known, but the standard Church procedure involves the Vatican once a priest is convicted of sexual abuse, particularly in Europe. The coordination between the Lugano diocese and Vatican authorities ensures that canonical punishment complements civil justice, emphasizing protection of minors and the integrity of the Church.
Alain de Raemy, apostolic administrator of the Lugano diocese, has expressed regret for the abuse and praised the courage of the young man who reported the priest. De Raemy supports the Ticino government's decision to introduce a legal obligation for church institutions to report and acknowledges the need for the church to learn from this case, especially regarding power and spiritual abuse. He emphasises that the church must accompany the convicted priest, but not replace civil justice.
The Vatican will have the verdict and files of the civil trial for its decision regarding the case. The diocese provides a protected space for those affected by abuse in a church context through the "Gava Listening Group". The prevention of such incidents remains a priority, with preventive courses for priests and church employees already in progress.
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