Dr Edward Peters: A canonical response to a murderous priest

The story out of Mexico reporting that a priest has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder of his own son (committed to prevent detection of the priest's sexual misconduct and his possible expulsion from the clerical state) leaves one pretty much speechless. In the 18 months since this story broke, it appears that the Mexican hierarchy, appalled by the discovery, cooperated with state prosecutors pursuing the matter in secular court. That's all to the good, of course; but I think it important that the canonical consequences for such loathsome conduct be pursued as well.

Read the rest at: http://www.canonlaw.info/2007/08/canonical-response-to-murderous-priest.html