Slovakian Catholics ask reason for archbishop's ouster, as audit triggers criminal probe

July 09, 2012

Supporters of a Slovakian archbishop who was removed from office by Pope Benedict XVI are asking the Vatican for an explanation of the unusual move, while a public prosecutor has launched an investigation of financial affairs in the Slovakian archdiocese.

The Vatican announced on July 2 that the Pope had removed Archbishop Robert Bezak from the Trnava archdiocese. The Vatican offered no public explanation, and the Slovakian bishops’ conference disclosed only that the action was taken as a result of an apostolic visitation of the Trnava archdiocese earlier this year.

A Slovakian prosecutor announced that a probe of finances in the archdiocese had been opened, because an audit had uncovered some evidence of criminal activity. The audit had been commissioned by Archbishop Bezak himself.

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop’s unexplained sacking prompts dismay, protests (Slovak Spectator)
• Prosecutor to investigate Trnava archdiocese finances under Sokol (Slovak Spectator)
• Pope dismisses Slovakian archbishop from pastoral office (CWN, 7/2)