Kochi, Mar 1:Adheringto a policy of "zero tolerance" towards clergy who sexually exploit minors, Pope Francis has expelled a Kerala priestconvicted of rape from all priestly duties and rights, according to church officials.
Syro-Malabar Church priest Robin Vadakkumchery is currently serving a jail term for impregnating a 16-year-old girl in Mananthavady diocese.
"Vadakkumchery has been dispensed from the exercise of priestly duties and rights. That means he has been reduced to the state of a layman", a Church official told PTI.
He was suspended from priestly duties soon after the news about his crime was reported in early 2017.
A POCSO court in Thalassery last year had sentenced Vadakkumchery to 20 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs three lakh on him.
The priest, 50, was the vicar of the local church in Kottiyur in Kannur district and manager at the school where the victim was studying.
He was arrested two years ago while trying to flee to Canada.
The Vatican's action came two years after Pope Francis made it clear that all bishops should adhere to a policy of "zero tolerance" for clergy who sexually exploit children.
Comments
She is the best External Foreign Minister india ever had. Lets pray for her speedy recovery. India need her badly.
Some sarcastic comments by our dignified readers are unwarranted, as an External Affairs Minster she is doing commendable job unlike her predecessor.
We need to learn to appreciate people irrespective of their political affiliation and/or faith. I pray to Almighty to give her good health to serve India and Indians living abroad for many years to come.
Prophet Muhammad pbuh taught us a beautiful DUA to ask with our CREATOR, who Created the heavens & the earth and all that is in between them.
\ O ALLAH, Lord of MANKIND ! Remove our suffering, Heal us as YOU are the HEALER, and None can HEAL but YOU. I beg YOU to bring about healing that leaves behind no Ailment....
Alhamdullillah (Thanks & praise is due to ALLAH) for guiding me on the knowledge that benefits in our LIFE.."
Poor lady..... the Isa visa issue will start haunting her....before that she wants to get herself admitted so that she donot have to face the media and opposition for ANOTHER BLUNDER by her team (first one was Lalit Modi visa)
She is doing a good job as a foreign minister....may God help her to recover speedily ...
oops ...MAY b terrorist attack on her chest...
Wholeheartedly Pray for Early Recovery. Sushma is one of the Best Foreign Minister in India, ever had. And wonderfully she is Human, though she is in BJP!
Let her go to England to get treated when Lalit Modi and Vijay Malia will pay the bill. Vasundra Raji will be her attender.
Why an VIP room of AIIMS is wasted for such unpatriotic people.
She is an able minister and wish to thank for her services to my nation. I do not see her political color but she has worked beyond the narrow confines of political outlook. May God bless her good health.
Hope this capable and very able minister recovers soon. best external affairs minister in india's history.
You are the pride of India madam! Let God give you all the strength !
She hardly does her job as a minister of external affairs since modi is doing all the travelling not giving her a chance to make her mark as mea. She is probably stressed out because of that.
Get well soon mam. Nation needs you!!
Get well soon madam.
Stress of The Job.
Disturbed to hear that EAM Smt @SushmaSwaraj ji has been admitted to AIIMS. Wish her speedy recovery & good health.
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