Pope Francis expels Kerala priest convicted of rape from all priestly duties

Acting in accordance with a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ for clergy who sexually exploits minors, Pope Francis has removed a Kerala priest convicted of rape from all priestly duties and rights, as per church officials.

Syro-Malabar Church priest Robin Vadakkumchery is at the present time serving a jail term for impregnating a 16-year-old girl in Mananthavady diocese.

"Vadakkumchery has been dispensed from the exercise of priestly duties and rights. That means he has been reduced to the state of a layman", a Church official told PTI.

The priest was debarred from priestly duties as soon as the news about the incident was reported in early 2017.

A POCSO court in Thalassery last year had passed a judgement sentencing Vadakkumchery to 20 years of regorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 3 lakh on him.

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