Pope dismisses two Irish priests

The Pope has dismissed two Irish priests who were convicted in the courts of sexual abuse, it was confirmed today.

The move is believed to be the first time the Vatican has directly dismissed Irish priests using a new fast-track procedure to remove those judged to have committed offences.

A spokesman for the Bishop of the Ferns Diocese, Dr Eamonn Walsh, said: “The diocese confirms that two priests, previously convicted of child sexual abuse, have been dismissed from the clerical state.

“The dismissal of a priest from the clerical state is a supreme decision of the Holy Father.”

The effect of dismissal from the clerical state is a permanent separation from all ministry, including the loss of all rights associated with the priesthood and the loss of authorisation to exercise ministry in the name of the Church.

Dr Walsh made an application to the Vatican to have the two men removed. A spokesman for the diocese would not confirm the identities of the men.

The diocese said it has supervisory structures in place “for priests against whom allegations have been received” and will keep contact with both men.

“The diocese meets on an ongoing basis with the gardaí and the Health Board on child protection measures and it will continue to consult with these statutory bodies,” he said.

It is believed that Pope John Paul signed the decree last month and the diocese was informed within the last few days, and as the decision was “supreme” it cannot be appealed against.

It is understood the cases of both men would have been reviewed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican, who then made a recommendation to the Pope.

The Government is shortly expected to publish a report into the handling of different allegations of child sexual abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns.