The annual synod of the Maronite Church, in Bkirkeh. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Priest Wissam Maalouf, founder of the "Mission de vie" institute, was reduced to a layman and excluded from the organization following a decision by the Pontifical Congregation for Oriental Churches, the National News Agency reported Friday.
The congregation founded by Father Maalouf is accused of abuse and sexual assault on minors.
A statement emanating from the Vatican and relayed by the Lebanese Maronite Patriarchate justifies its decision as follows:
"It is with deep regret that the Pontifical Congregation for the Oriental Churches has noted the stubbornness of Father Wissam Maalouf in not complying with the disciplinary measures taken against him on Aug. 31, 2022, approved by His Holiness Pope Francis, in an attempt to protect his priesthood and his membership in the Mission de Vie institute."
The prelate had been the subject of "measures of a penal nature" for several months.
"We pray for this son, that he will receive divine grace and be able to resume the walk of faith again in his Christian life," the Congregation's statement continued.
Father Maalouf repeatedly defended himself against accusations of child abuse, including "child trafficking." He instead blamed the "stipendiary press" and accused the children's judge of Baabda, Joelle Abou Haidar, of lashing out at his association because it refused her the favor of approving an adoption she had requested on behalf of a family close to her.
In September, the Vatican decided to remove Maronite priests Mansour Labaky and Georges Badr from their positions for similar charges.
Mansour Labaky was sentenced by the French justice system to 15 years of criminal imprisonment for rape and sexual assault of minors. Georges Badr, about whom little is known, was the parish priest of Mar Takla in Hazmieh and chaplain of the charity NGO Domus. Rumors of pedophilia targeted Badr and he was later removed from his parish.