Defrocked priest appeals to Vatican

An appeal is under way in the Vatican into a decision by a Cork diocese to defrock one of its priests for serial sexual abuse of teenagers and minors.

A secret canonical tribunal held by the diocese defrocked the priest, Dan Duane earlier this year. It is understood he was the subject of up to 11 complaints of abuse.

The priest immediately said he would appeal the decision and it’s expected that a decision will be reached on this appeal in the autumn, possibly as early as September.