Belgian Ex-Bishop Dismissed from Priesthood for Sexual Abuse of Nephews
Following the uncovering of new evidence, the Vatican has removed 87-year-old Bishop Roger Vangheluwe from the clergy for his past confession of sexually abusing his nephews. This significant decision was made after serious revelations came to light in the case.
A former Belgian bishop, Roger Vangheluwe, has been removed from the priesthood by Pope Francis. This decision comes more than ten years after Vangheluwe admitted to sexually abusing two of his nephews. The Vatican announced on Thursday that the 87-year-old bishop was "dismissed from the clerical state" due to "serious new elements" in the case.
Bishop Vangheluwe resigned as bishop of Bruges in 2010. He admitted to abusing one nephew over several years.
Later, he confessed to abusing a second nephew as well. However, he was not prosecuted because of Belgium's statute of limitations.
The bishops in the country have been urging the Vatican to remove Bishop Vangheluwe from the priesthood. This case has become a symbol of the abuse scandals in the country.
Pope Francis prays in front of the statue of the Immaculate Conception at Spanish Steps December 8, 2013, in Rome, Italy.
Pope Francis prays in front of the statue of the Immaculate Conception at Spanish Steps December 8, 2013, in Rome, Italy.
Franco Origlia/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
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The Belgian bishops' conference expressed their disappointment after the dismissal of Vangheluwe, stating that they had always found it unacceptable that he was allowed to continue serving as a priest and bishop despite being under restrictions.
Despite his dismissal, Vangheluwe will still reside in a monastery.
Vangheluwe's case was causing concern ahead of a scheduled papal visit to Belgium by Francis, with the country's prime minister, Alexander de Croo, urging the Vatican to strip Vangheluwe of his bishop title.
After the Vatican's choice to dismiss Vangheluwe from the priesthood, the prime minister expressed his support by stating, "This is the correct decision."
The Belgian church is currently facing scrutiny due to a parliamentary commission investigating sexual abuse within the church and a documentary that has caused national outrage.
Pope Francis has announced his intention to visit Belgium in the year 2024.
Editor's P/S:
The case
