News: Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi dismissed from the clerical state by Pope Francis
In a decision that made a lot of noise, Pope Francis pronounced the dismissal of Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi from the clerical state. This announcement was made in a letter from the Bishop of Kasongo, Msgr. Placide Lubamba Njibu, dated September 4, 2023. According to the letter, the Holy Father signed a decree dismissing Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi from the state clerical and exempting him from all the obligations associated with it. This decision, taken on June 19, 2023, is final.
Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi’s reaction to this decision was immediate. On social media, he expressed that he had no regrets and was grateful to Bishop Lubamba for releasing him from his priestly obligations. “It is neither a crime nor a shame,” he wrote, adding that he greatly thanked Bishop Lubamba for taking the initiative to ask the Pope to relieve him of his obligations.
Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi was a priest of the diocese of Kasongo, in the province of Maniema in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was ordained a priest in 2012 and was elected national deputy in 2019. He also serves as president of the human rights commission in the National Assembly. Doctor in practical theology from Laval University in Canada, he is currently an associate professor at the Higher Institute of Statistics of Kinshasa (ISS/KIN) and director of the research center of this public establishment.
This decision by Pope Francis raises many questions and arouses various reactions within the Catholic community. Some support the Holy Father’s decision, believing that it is legitimate given the circumstances, while others express their incomprehension and solidarity with Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi.
Whatever the opinions, this decision marks an important turning point in the life of Father Simon-Pierre Iyananio Moligi and raises questions about the role and responsibility of priests in contemporary society. The next few days will be crucial to see how this situation evolves and what the consequences will be for all parties concerned.
Sources:
– Article 1: [Link article 1](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/08/le-pape-francois-rviens-labbe-simon-pierre-iyananio-moligi-de-letat-clerical/ )
– Article 2: [Link article 2](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/08/la-reaction-de-labbe-simon-pierre-iyananio-moligi-aux-declarations-du-vatican/ )