Suspended on abuse complaint, Filipino priest now suspected of ivory-smuggling

September 26, 2012

Police in the Philippines plan to question a suspended Catholic priest about his possible involvement in an ivory-smuggling operation.

Msgr. Cristobal Garcia came under suspicion when his collection of religious figurines, carved from ivory, was featured in National Geographic magazine.

Msgr. Garcia was suspended from ministry in the Archdiocese of Cebu because of separate accusations of sexual abuse. The abuse charges against him, which date from his work in the US over 20 years ago, are currently being investigated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

 

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Further information:

• Monsignor Cristobal Garcia, Catholic Priest, To Be Questioned By Philippines For Ivory Smuggling (AP)
• Vatican sacked Cebu priest months ahead of ivory scandal, says church exec (Inquirier)