The Vatican said Friday
that a canon trial against Anthony Sablan Apuron, Archbishop of
Agaña, Guam, over allegations that included accusations of
sexual abuse of minors has concluded with the defendant being
found guilty of some charges.
As a result Apuron faces "the penalties of privation of
office and prohibition of residence in the Archdiocese of Guam".
The Vatican said the first-instance ruling is subject to
possible appeal.
"In the absence of an appeal, the sentence becomes final and
effective," a Vatican statement said.
"In the case of an appeal, the imposed penalties are
suspended until final resolution".
In May 2016 Apuron, 72, was accused by a man of sexually
abusing him in 1972, when the alleged victim was 12 and the
clergyman was a simple priest.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA