Pope Francis expels Borongan priest over sexual abuse allegations

BY LEX MANALO

POPE Francis has expelled a Filipino priest accused of sexual abuse involving minors.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported Sunday that Fr. Pio Aclon of Borongan, Eastern Samar, was dismissed from the priesthood by the Pope.

On Sunday, the Diocese of Borongan released a July 18 announcement that stated “Notice is hereby given that the Holy Father Pope Francis has dismissed from the clerical state PIO CULTURA ACLON of the Diocese of Borongan.

He is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church.”

The notice was signed by Fr. James Abella, chancellor of the Diocese.

The CBCP said the advisory was read on Sunday in all parish churches, chaplaincies, and chapels of the Diocese.

Aclon, best known as a Mediatrix devotee, last served at a minor seminary in Borongan before he was suspended from his clerical duties,” the CBCP News said.

Pope Francis has been apologizing for the cases of abuse involving priests, and has pledged “zero tolerance” to sexual assault by members of the clergy.