The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester is seeking to defrock the Rev. Lowe Dongor, the St. Joseph's Church priest charged with possessing child pornography and stealing from the parish in September.
A diocese spokesman told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Friday that Bishop Robert McManus has asked Pope Benedict XVI to strip Dongor of his priestly privileges in light of the charges.
Dongor was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court on Sept. 10 on charges of larceny over $250, larceny from a building and possession of child pornography and was released on personal recognizance.
He was placed on administrative leave and relieved of his duties in July.
Dongor failed to show up for an Oct. 25 court hearing, leading church and law-enforcement officials to believe he has fled to his homeland, the Philippines.