Archdiocese of San Fernando removes priest in alleged affair with married woman

A priest was removed from his post in Pampanga amid an alleged affair with another man's wife, the Archdiocese of San Fernando said Thursday.

In a statement, Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando said the Office of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Fernando (RCASF) had taken steps to reach out to the family affected.

"In the meantime, given the sensitive nature of the matter, and as a preliminary move, the Archdiocese has resolved to remove the priest from his parish assignment," Lavarias said.

According to CBCP News, a viral video that circulated this week showed a furious man having a heated argument with a priest for allegedly "coveting his wife."

Lavarias, meanwhile, vowed to investigate the sensitive incident after receiving the formal complaint from the concerned family.

"The RCASF reserves the right to take appropriate actions as a more thorough investigation progresses, after the receipt of a formal complaint from the concerned party," read the statement.

The Archdiocese also asked the public to respect the privacy of parties involved in the controversy "as they seek to deal with this sensitive and complex issue with divine guidance and in the most Christian way possible."

He also encouraged the public to respond to the incident with "introspective concern and earnest prayers." —NB, GMA News