Cleric involved in abuse dismissed by the Pope

The spiritual leader of Catholics and Pope Francis, head of the Vatican State, has dismissed former Bishop of Bruges Roger Vangheluwe from the clerical state following his involvement in sexual abuse cases.

According to reports in the Belgian press, the Vatican's representative in Belgium announced that the request to dismiss the former bishop of the city of Bruges, Vangheluwe, from the clerical state following his involvement in sexual abuse cases had been accepted.

"EVEN IF IT IS VERY LATE..."

In a statement issued by the Bishops' Conference of Belgium, it was noted that an agreement had been reached whereby Vangheluwe could, in principle, go wherever he wished following his dismissal, but that he could continue to live in seclusion at the monastery where he has been staying in France.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo noted in a post on the X social media platform regarding the matter that the decision concerning Vangheluwe was "the right one." De Croo stated, "Even if it is late, it is a necessary step for the victims' pursuit of justice."

HAD REQUESTED A NEW INVESTIGATION

Vangheluwe confessed in 2010 to sexually abusing two of his nephews and submitted his resignation in April 2010. The bishop had avoided prosecution due to the statute of limitations.

In February, the Vatican had requested the opening of a new investigation after pornographic content was found on Vangheluwe's computer during searches conducted in 2012.

De Croo and the Bishops' Conference of Belgium, which represents the country's bishops, had demanded that Vangheluwe be stripped of his title.

News Source: 12punto