‘In 2016, the Archdiocese received a number of complaints concerning Fr Ezinwanne Igbo.
‘In one of those complaints, he was alleged to have committed a canonical offence which resulted in automatic excommunication.
‘This was not a criminal offence under civil law. An investigative process was authorised by the Holy See and conducted by senior canon lawyers. The process confirmed the allegation unanimously.
‘The Archbishop then submitted the judgment to the Holy See, who subsequently requested that the excommunication be made public.
‘The excommunication will remain in force until Fr Ezinwanne seeks and is granted remission by the Pope, who alone can grant it.
‘While the excommunication remains in force, Fr Ezinwanne can have no ministerial part in the celebration of Mass or any other public worship; he cannot celebrate or receive the sacraments; and he cannot exercise any office of ministry in the church.’
SOURCE: Brisbane Catholic Church