Brazilian archbishop resigns following allegation

July 06, 2016

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Aldo di Cillo Pagotto, 66, from the governance of the Archdiocese of Paraíba, Brazil.

The prelate, who was accused of a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old male, was also under investigation by a local prosecutor for alleged “connivance” in the sexual exploitation of minors. In 2015, following an apostolic visitation, he was forbidden to ordain new priests and deacons, according to Brazilian media reports.

Archbishop Pagotto, who denied the allegations, has led the archdiocese since 2004. He also faced criticism for ties to spiritualism and for joining a street protest against President Dilma Rousseff.

In his resignation letter, the prelate said his governance of the diocese led to a campaign of slander by anonymous priests, the Globo television network reported.

A retired bishop, Bishop Genival Saraiva de França, will govern the archdiocese as apostolic administrator until a new archbishop is named.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Rinunce e nomine (Holy See Press Office)
• Papa Francisco nomeia administrador apostólico para arquidiocese da Paraíba (CNBB)
• Papa aceita renúncia de Dom Aldo e anuncia novo Administrador para PB (Globo)
• Investigado, Dom Aldo continua sem poder ordenar padres (Jornal da Paraiba)
• Arcebispo da Paraíba é suspenso pelo Vaticano; Religiosos criticavam presença do Bispo em protestos (Patos Online)
• PEDOFILIA NA IGREJA PARAIBANA: Procurador Eduardo Varandas está apurando tudo e ouvindo todos (Polemica Paraíba)