Monsignor Sebastian Shaw, 66, the archbishop of Lahore (580,000 Catholics), the largest diocese in Pakistan, is taking a 'sabbatical' after being accused of sexual abuse and financial fraud.
The vicar general of the diocese, Monsignor Asif Sardar, announced that the archbishop of Karachi, Benny Mario Travas, had been appointed apostolic administrator of Lahore as of 15 August.
The accusations against Shaw, a Franciscan, have been going on for some time.
During the Eucharist of the Assumption, the Vicar General said: "We pray for our Archbishop. May God grant him good health; may he always guide him. He is on sabbatical". No further details were given.
Many priests in Lahore have sent letters and emails to Francis pointing to the "corruption and dishonesty" of Monsignor Shaw. In August 2022, the archbishop was also accused of homosexuality by a priest he had suspended.
Monsignor Shaw has always denied the allegations, including the irregular transfer of money to a brother and nephew who now live in the United States.
Shaw was made a bishop by Benedict XVI in 2009 and an archbishop by Francis.
Picture: Sebastian Shaw © wikicommons, CC BY-SA, #newsGbeahoxcaa