Kochi: In its outreach to all the clergies around the world, Pope Francis has expelled Kerala priest Robin Vadakkumchery from all priestly duties and rights, after he was convicted in a rape case.
“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.
The matter pertains to a rape case where he impregnated a 16-year-old girl in Mananthavady diocese back in 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 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.
The incident happened when he was the vicar of the local church in Kottiyur in Kannur district and manager at the school where the victim was studying.
