Thursday, May 5, 2011

STATEMENT ON EX-BISHOP OF ANTIGONISH, CANADA

VATICAN CITY, 5 MAY 2011 (VIS) - Today the Holy See Press Office issued the following statement regarding the case of the former bishop of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, Raymond Lahey who has pled guilty to possession of child pornography.

  "The Catholic Church condemns sexual exploitation in all its forms, especially when perpetrated against minors".

  "Although the civil process has run its course, the Holy See will continue to follow the canonical procedures in effect for such cases, which will result in the imposition of the appropriate disciplinary or penal measures".

  Following former Bishop Lahey's admission of guilt, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a declaration assuring that it will "continue to work to prevent such behavior and to bring healing to the victims and their families".

  "Recognizing the confusion and anger that this case has engendered among many of the faithful, we underscore our pastoral concern for those who have experienced great pain as a result of these events.  In a special way our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Antigonish and all the Atlantic region".
OP/                                VIS 20110505 (170)

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