Bishop James Golka’s statement on the laicization of Frank Pavone

Statement on laicization of Frank Pavone_1.pdf (diocs.org)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2022

CONTACT: Veronica Ambuul, 719-866-6489, vambuul@coloradocatholicherald.com

Bishop James Golka’s statement on the laicization of Frank Pavone

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop James Golka issued the following statement in response to the dismissal of Frank Pavone from the clerical state:

“On Dec. 13, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, informed me and my brother bishops that Frank Pavone had been dismissed from the clerical state with no possibility of appeal. This news was made public on Dec. 17, 2022. In his response, Mr. Pavone has cited a supposed 2019 agreement to transfer to the Diocese of Colorado Springs under my predecessor, the late Bishop Michael Sheridan, that was blocked by the Vatican. I regret that, in the time that elapsed between my arrival in Colorado Springs and Bishop Sheridan’s death, I did not have the opportunity to speak with him about many of the things that occurred during his tenure, including this matter. Therefore, I am unable to comment on Mr. Pavone’s assertion other than to say that he has never been incardinated in the diocese.”