- Father Frank Pavone, the president of Priests for Life, has won at least a partial victory in a conflict with his bishop over his leadership of the pro-life group.
- Bishop Patrick Zurek of Amarillo, Texas, has announced that in May, the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy “sustained Father Frank A. Pavone’s appeal of his suspension from ministry outside the Diocese of Amarillo.” Bishop Zurek had announced that suspension last September, citing his “deep concerns regarding his stewardship of the finances of the Priests for Life organization” and about Father Pavone’s reluctance to accept episcopal oversight.
- Father Pavone appealed the bishop’s decision to the Vatican, and the May decision from the Congregation for Clergy vindicated his stand. Priests for Life issued a statement celebrating the Vatican’s decision in favor of Father Pavone’s appeal, saying: “Father Pavone remains a priest in good standing all over the world.”
- However, the Vatican decision apparently affirmed Bishop Zurek’s authority to assign Father Pavone to new responsibilities as chaplain of a religious community in the Amarillo diocese. Bishop Zurek announced that the priest was to “continue his ministry as chaplain until further notice.” And Priests for Life, in its celebratory statement, hinted at some remaining conflict, saying:
- While we fully agree that Bishop Zurek has rightful authority over the priests of his diocese, we also see the urgent need for Father Pavone to be allowed to conduct his priestly ministry outside the diocese of Amarillo for the good of the pro-life movement.
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Father Pavone wins partial victory on Vatican appeal : News Headlines - Catholic Culture
