Vatican, Canadian bishops react to Bishop Lahey’s child-porn plea

May 05, 2011

The Holy See Press Office has issued a statement in response to the trial of Bishop Raymond Lahey. The Canadian bishop pled guilty to possession of child pornography and faces a sentence of at least one year in prison.

“The Catholic Church condemns sexual exploitation in all its forms, especially when perpetrated against minors,” the statement noted. “The Holy See will continue to follow the canonical procedures in effect for such cases, which will result in the imposition of the appropriate disciplinary or penal measures.”

“The Most Reverend Raymond Lahey, former Bishop of Antigonish, has pled guilty to possession of child pornography,” the Canadian bishops said in a statement. “The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops condemns all forms of sexual exploitation, especially involving minors, and continues to work to prevent such behaviour and to bring healing to the victims and their families.”

The bishops added:

Recognizing the confusion and anger that this case has engendered among many of the faithful, we underscore our pastoral concern for those who have experienced great pain as a result of these events. In a special way our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Antigonish and all the Atlantic region.

We reiterate the Catholic Church’s long-standing condemnation of the possession, distribution and use of child pornographic images in all forms, and renew our resolve to do everything we can to promote the dignity and respect of the human person.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Vatican Pledges Penal Measures Against Canadian Bishop (Zenit)
• Statement (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops)
• Canadian bishop pleads guilty to child-porn charges (CWN, 5/4)