Pope Francis has decreed the defrocking of Father Frederico Cunha, who in 1993 was sentenced in Madeira to 13 years in prison for the murder and sexual abuse of a minor, the Diocese of Funchal announced on Thursday. “On February 16, the Diocese of Funchal received information that, having brought the case to the attention of the Holy Father, Pope Francis had decreed the defrocking of Frederico Marcos da Cunha from the clerical state and had exempted him from the obligations of celibacy,” the diocese said in a statement. The institution explained that, since Frederico Cunha’s whereabouts are unknown, “the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith ordered that the Holy Father’s decision be made public on the diocese’s official website, which has now been done”, writes Lusa (also responsible for the headline). There was no explanation of why it has taken over 30 years to reach this decision.
Madeira deviant killer priest defrocked after 31 years
The former priest (right) spent five years in jail before absconding during a day release in 1998
