4 priests named in sexual abuse allegations dismissed

In the statement of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, it was announced that 4 priests were temporarily suspended from their functions by prohibiting them from participating in public activities, with the decision of the Cardinal of Lisbon Manuel Clemente, taking into account the proposal of the Episcopal Commission.

It was indicated that the 4 priests in question were not directly charged in the allegations of sexual abuse, and this decision was made in order to carry out the investigation that will begin in the Department of Doctrine of the Faith.

The number of priests suspended from their duties at the Lisbon Patriarchate due to allegations of child sexual abuse has so far risen to 5.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Earlier this month, the Patriarchate received a list of 24 people involved in sexual abuse and announced that 5 of them were active, 8 died, 2 left the Church and the rest were unknown.

Following allegations of sexual abuse against children in institutions affiliated with the Catholic Church in Portugal, the Church first remained silent about the priests involved, then promised “zero tolerance and a transparent investigation” following reactions from non-governmental organizations and the press. .

The report, published in February as part of the investigation carried out by the Independent Commission, created by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) to investigate abuses within the Church, revealed that there have been at least 4,800 victims since 1950.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, known for holding conservative Catholic views, also said after the commission’s report that he was “disappointed and that the alleged clerics should be suspended from their posts until they are acquitted.” (AA)