The foul-mouthed priest who was caught on camera hurling abuse at a group of teenagers has been suspended by the Catholic Church.The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Reverend Denis Hart, announced the suspension of Reverend Monsignor Geoffrey Baron on Tuesday afternoon.
Baron was caught racially abusing skateboarding teenagers outside St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne.
Although the incident occurred about a year ago, it was brought to light only recently by YouTube. Popular video-sharing site YouTube has since removed the footage of the senior Catholic priest, who has expressed shame and embarrassment at his behavior.
In a statement, Hart said, "I have known Monsignor Geoff Baron for 46 years. I know him to be a very good and talented man and priest and I am deeply troubled by the incidents at St Patrick's Cathedral."
"For the time being, I want to relieve the dean of the pressures and responsibilities he carries as dean of the cathedral. Accordingly, I have granted him a period of leave from his position and responsibilities as dean.''
Newly appointed Premier of Victoria, John Brumby believes the priest has atoned for his outburst.
Baron hit talk-back radio on Monday and apologized for the incident, which he says was a one-off.
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