(VIS) “Today the Holy See Press Office issued the following statement regarding the
case of the former bishop of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, Raymond Lahey who has
pled guilty to possession of child pornography. "The Catholic Church condemns sexual
exploitation in all its forms, especially when perpetrated against minors". "Although
the civil process has run its course, the Holy See will continue to follow the canonical
procedures in effect for such cases, which will result in the imposition of the appropriate
disciplinary or penal measures". Following former Bishop Lahey's admission of guilt,
the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a declaration assuring that it
will "continue to work to prevent such behavior and to bring healing to the victims
and their families". "Recognizing the confusion and anger that this case has engendered
among many of the faithful, we underscore our pastoral concern for those who have
experienced great pain as a result of these events. In a special way our thoughts
and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Antigonish and all the Atlantic
region”..