He needs to repent for what he did.
The Vatican has removed Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, the head of Pakistan’s largest Catholic diocese, following an investigation into allegations of financial corruption, illegal sale of church property, and involvement in sexual abuse, according to reliable sources.
Speculation about Shaw’s suspension began circulating last month, but it was reportedly kept quiet by local Catholic leaders. On August 15, however, Father Asif Sardar, the Archdiocesan Vicar General of Lahore, publicly announced that Shaw, who is 66, would be taking a sabbatical. Archbishop Benny Mario Travas from Karachi will serve as the apostolic administrator of the Lahore Diocese during this period.
Catholic Advocate Morris Nadeem informed Christian Daily International that the announcement was made during a Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lahore’s Sacred Heart Cathedral. Nadeem noted that while Shaw was in the U.S. in July, rumors about his removal started. His return to Pakistan and resumption of duties surprised many in the congregation. His subsequent removal has been met with relief by many in Lahore’s Catholic community, according to Nadeem.
Attempts by Christian Daily International to reach Shaw for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. Bishop Samson Shukardin, president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, and Father Sardar also declined to comment on the allegations.
An anonymous senior Catholic church leader revealed that the Vatican had been receiving complaints about Shaw for an extended period. According to the source, there is documented evidence showing Shaw’s misuse of authority to sell church property, and his family members were implicated in financial misconduct involving the Catholic Education Board. The investigation into Shaw was reportedly prompted by allegations from a Catholic priest who accused Shaw of coercing him into a sexual relationship.
Father Rashid Alfonse, in a viral video posted on August 4, 2022, claimed that Shaw had pressured him for a sexual relationship and threatened him with career repercussions if he did not comply. Alfonse’s accusations included graphic details about Shaw’s behavior, which led to significant distress within the community.
At the time, Father Sardar dismissed these allegations as the result of an “unsound mind” on the part of the accuser. Despite Shaw’s attempts to refute the charges and clear his name, the evidence against him was deemed substantial, leading to his removal.
The Pakistani Catholic church reportedly chose to present Shaw’s departure as a sabbatical to avoid further embarrassment. However, there is internal belief that holding Shaw accountable for his actions is necessary to set a precedent for other bishops. Shaw had been in charge of the Archdiocese of Lahore since 2013, during which his tenure faced criticism for various controversies, including allowing a political party to use the cathedral for campaigning and his silence on issues like the misuse of blasphemy laws and forced conversions of Christian girls.