FARGO (KFGO) – A former North Dakota priest has been relieved of his priestly duties.
The Fargo Diocese said that Pope Francis made the decision to laicize Neil Pfiefer. Pfiefer plead guilty to sexual assault in July of last year. He faced similar charges in Logan County, but those were later dropped.
As a result of the Pope’s ruling, Pfeifer will no longer be allowed to celebrate mass, hear confessions, or administer any other sacraments.
Bishop John Folda of the Fargo Diocese says that Pfiefer violated a sacred trust, and asks people to join him in prayer for those hurt by Pfiefer.
The Diocese of Fargo says that it is committed to safe environments, and urges anyone who has been sexually assaulted by a church worker to report it to the proper authorities.
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