Vatican City, Jul 1, 2009 / 12:29 pm
Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Francisco Domingo Barbosa Da Silveira of Minas in Uruguay, in accord with canon 401, paragraph 2, after large numbers of the diocesan clergy accused their bishop of sexual misconduct.
Canon 401, paragraph 2 states : “A diocesan Bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfillment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office.” The grave reason in this case would be the accusations made against the bishop of homosexual conduct.
The Case
The accusations against Bishop Barbosa were made known last Friday after a court investigation the prelate requested as a victim of extortion. "Two adults with criminal backgrounds were charged with the crime” and allegedly were involved in homosexual liaisons with the bishop. Judge Daniel Erserguer found them guilty and sentenced them to prison.
Bishop Francisco Barbosa is popular in Uruguay although he holds some controversial theological positions, as manifested by his episcopal motto, “Gotta keep moving on,” which is taken from a pop-song. The refrain to the song is often used by a pro-abortion coalition as their slogan.