The Vatican has upheld its conviction of Guam's ousted archbishop for sexually abusing minors, exiled him from the Pacific island and barred him from presenting himself as a bishop. The Vatican announced the decision against the 73-year-old Apuron on Thursday, saying a Vatican appeals tribunal had reached the verdict Feb. 9. In Thursday's decision, the Vatican confirmed Apuron's original 2018 conviction and the original sentence, which removed Apuron from office and prohibited him from living on Guam in perpetuity. Many religious orders prefer to keep their convicted priests in the priesthood, so superiors can more closely monitor them and restrict their activity to prevent them from abusing as laymen. In a statement, Apuron said he was pleased that he remained a priest and archbishop, albeit without insignia.

Source: ABC News April 04, 2019 10:29 UTC