What happens when a priest is ‘dismissed’?

A Maltese priest has been dismissed from the clerical state by the Vatican. Charles Pulis, who last Tuesday was found guilty by the court of abusing children under his care, had already been prohibited from carrying out his priestly duties in public once the allegations were made.

Though he has been laicised, the Vatican said he should remain part of the community he forms part of, prompting concerns he could still have a religious role in society.

The Code of Canon Law states that a “valid” ordination is indelible, meaning a priest is a ‘priest forever’ as is stated during the ordination ceremony.

Priests, however, can lose the clerical state, which means they can no longer administer the sacraments, and lose all rights and duties related to being a priest.

One of the two duties that remains is obligatory celibacy, which requires a separate dispensation from the Pope.

Priests can be dismissed from the clerical state either at their own request, such as when they choose to marry, or as punishment for serious reasons, such as in cases of sexual abuse. A tribunal could also find that an ordination was not valid.

An ‘ex-priest’ may still consecrate the Eucharist but, though valid, it would be considered illicit.

In extraordinary circumstances, however, a former priest can hear confession and give absolution to someone in a critical condition. He can also baptise a person, as this is something that can be done by lay Catholics too.

However, they are not permitted to wear any clothing related to the priesthood, such as the cassock, the collar and crosses.

Priests who have been removed from the clerical state cannot be re-enrolled as clerics, except by a special permission from the Apostolic See.

Fr Louis Mallia, the Missionary Society of Saint Paul’s superior general, said his order was bound to obey the Vatican’s decree, which would have been the result of a meticulous process.

He said, however, that Mr Pulis, now 65, was too old to live outside the community and might end up destitute.

He had no particular role to carry out, and while he could participate in the community’s daily life, it might not last long, as along with a Vatican decree he has a ­six-year state prison sentence to serve.

dschembri@timesofmalta.com