Vatican finds Guam archbishop guilty of sexual abuse of minors

Archbishop Apuron, was placed on leave by Pope Francis in June 2016 after a series of accusations  of abuse of young men in the 1960s and 70s were made public.  The sentence of the Apostolic Tribunal is subject to appeal. 

Please find below the full press release:

The canonical trial in the matter of accusations, including accusations of sexual abuse of minors, brought against the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan APURON, O.F.M.Cap., Archbishop of Agaña, Guam, has been concluded.

The Apostolic Tribunal of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, composed of five judges, has issued its sentence of first instance, finding the accused guilty of certain of the accusations and imposing upon the accused the penalties of privation of office and prohibition of residence in the Archdiocese of Guam.

The sentence remains subject to possible appeal. In the absence of an appeal, the sentence becomes final and effective. In the case of an appeal, the imposed penalties are suspended until final.