The Vatican has convicted the suspended Anthony Apuron, Archbishop of Agaña (Guam), of some charges made against him of sexually abusing minors.
A five-judge apostolic tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced its verdict in Apuron’s canonical case on March 16.
The release did not specify which acts the archbishop had been found guilty of.
It said he had been ordered from office and could no longer live in the Archdiocese of Agaña.
The press release from Vatican news stated that in the absence of an appeal, the sentence becomes final and effective.
In the case of an appeal, penalties are suspended until final.
In a statement through his lawyer later on March 16, Apuron said he had already appealed the ruling.
“I am innocent and I look forward to proving my innocence in the appeals process.”
In a statement, Michael Byrnes, who is now the new Archbishop of Agaña, said it had been a long and painful period for the church in Guam and for the island community in general.
“This long-awaited announcement by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is very much welcomed.
“It is a monumental marker in our journey toward healing as one Church, one people in God. I pray that all people would embrace this call for healing.”
Byrnes extended his prayers as well as gratitude to the individuals and their families who came forward to share their stories of being abused by the then Father Tony Apuron.
“Regardless of whether there is an appeal or not, our focus shall remain on penance and reparation,” Byrnes said.
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