Bishop Patrick Hoogmartens of Hasselt will not participate in the public celebrations of the Pope’s visit.
The announcement comes after a letter in which he expressed his admiration for a priest, previously involved in a sexual abuse case, was published online.
The decision, made out of respect for the survivor of sexual violence, was announced in a written statement to the Belga News Agency on Tuesday. Until last week, the website of the Conference of Bishops contained a glowing obituary for a priest from the diocese who had committed sexual violence.
"Following the death of a priest, a section of my condolence letter to the family, in which I expressed admiration for the deceased, was widely disseminated on our website," wrote the bishop. "I understand that I was not sufficiently attentive, which led to causing pain to a victim of violence. I am deeply sorry. I have apologised to the victim."
The case, which occurred in the 1970s, was handled by the Halsberghe Commission, Bishop Hoogmartens clarified. He added that the case was closed in 2002 by an agreement between the involved parties, who committed to keeping the matter discreet. The case was part of "Operation Chalice."
The Diocese of Hasselt has removed the condolence message from its website out of respect for the victim.
The Conference of Bishops stated that the other bishops will participate in the celebrations for the Pope’s visit.
