MANCHESTER, NH – A Catholic priest from Manchester has been dismissed from the priesthood by Pope Francis, following his conviction on three 2014 theft charges.
Edward Arsenault, who served as a spokesman for the Manchester diocese, pleaded guilty to stealing $300,000 from a hospital, a bishop, and a deceased priest’s estate.
He was transferred Tuesday to home confinement and is up for parole on Feb. 19, 2018.
The Diocese of Manchester posted the following statement on its website April 7.
“On February 28, 2017, Pope Francis decreed Edward J. Arsenault dismissed from the clerical state, and dispensed him from all obligations subsequent to sacred ordination, including that of celibacy. By virtue of this decree, Edward J. Arsenault has no faculties to act, function, or present himself as a priest.”