Pope Francis has removed the clerical state of Fernando Karadima Fariña, of the Archdiocese of Santiago, Chile. The Holy Father has taken this exceptional decision in conscience and for the good of the Church.
The Holy See Press Office communicated it this afternoon, Friday, September 28.
The Holy Father has exercised his «ordinary power, which is supreme, full, immediate and universal in the Church» (Code of Canon Law, canon 331), conscious of his service to the people of God as successor of Saint Peter.
The decree, signed by the Pope on Thursday, September 27, 2018, came into force automatically from that moment, and also implies the dispensation of all clerical obligations. Karadima was notified Friday, September 28, 2018.
![](https://zenit.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FullSizeRender-6.jpg)
Pope to Authorities in Chile - Vatican Media Screenshot
BREAKING: Pope Removes from Priesthood Abuser Fernando Karadima in Chile
Vatican Announces Francis’ Decision to Remove His Clerical State