The Vatican has officially announced the defrocking of Leo Silingardi, a former priest of the Italian diocese of Reggio Emilia, who was found guilty of sexual abuse of minors. The decision, approved by Pope Leo XIV, is final and not subject to appeal. This was reported by AP, writes UNN.
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Leo Silingardi was convicted by an Italian civil court back in 2022 for violent acts against several teenagers, but the church investigation lasted much longer. Only now has the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith completed the canonical process, which resulted in the most severe punishment for a clergyman – deprivation of all rights and duties associated with his rank.
This decision is a clear signal that no crime against vulnerable individuals will go unpunished, regardless of the status of the guilty party.
Pope Leo XIV, who ascended the throne at the end of 2025, continues the course of openness and prompt resolution of abuse cases that have remained unaddressed for years.
Organizations protecting the rights of victims of sexual abuse in the church welcomed this step, although they noted that the process took too long. The Vatican emphasized the importance of cooperation with civil justice bodies and assured full transparency of further similar investigations. Currently, the Diocese of Reggio Emilia is preparing a support program for those who suffered from Silingardi's actions.