POPE Francis will decide if the Filipino priest caught with a 13-year-old girl will be defrocked, Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz said Sunday.
In an interview with radio dzMM, Cruz said the most serious punishment the Church can impose on Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos is to strip him of his priesthood.
Lagarejos was arrested in Marikina on July 28, reportedly on his way to a motel with a 13-year-old girl.
Cruz said Lagarejos’ case will be sent to a congregation of the clergy who will then make a recommendation to Pope Francis, which he can accept or reject.
The Pope’s decision would be final, Cruz said.
Lagarejos, who faces a charge of trafficking, was released on Aug. 2 after posting P120,000 in bail. He has been relieved of his duties as parish priest of St. John the Baptist Parish and as president of the Cainta Catholic College. He has also been banned from talking to minors.
Metro Manila police Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the girl’s parents or the government can still file a rape case against the priest.
Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District director, has ordered a thorough investigation of the case after reports said the priest already met with the minor twice and had sex with her once.