Resigned Bishop, 70: Accused of Improper Conduct with Women
At the time, he wrote on the homepage of the Diocese of Verdun that his health had deteriorated in a worrisome way.
The Nunciature admits that "the health reasons publicly cited by the prelate for submitting his resignation are only one factor in the Holy Father's decision to accept this resignation."
The Nunciature states that the received information is fragmentary and contradictory thus far. Gusching denies any wrongdoing.
The Nuncio forwarded the information to the Dicastery for Bishops.
Monsignor Gusching promised the Prefect of the Dicastery that he would avoid any behavior toward women in the future that could be interpreted as contrary to his priestly commitments.
Furthermore, the Dicastery has already punished him "as a precautionary measure": "The prelate has been required to live in seclusion outside his dioceses of Amiens and Verdun and refrain from liturgical celebrations and public pastoral activities."
A preliminary canonical investigation has begun. It was entrusted to Bishop Stanislas Lalanne, bishop emeritus of Pontoise, who is assisted by Archbishop Philippe Ballot, Archbishop of Metz and Apostolic Administrator of Verdun.
A report has also been filed with the civil authorities. As the investigation is ongoing, the Nunciature will not disclose any information.
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