The Pope has granted a request by Tadas Švedavičius, a priest accused of sexual offences against children, to be dismissed from the clerical state.
"As a result of this decision, Švedavičius has lost his clerical status and ecclesiastical faculties and can no longer exercise priestly ministry.
Dismissal from the clerical state does not terminate criminal proceedings or exempt him from liability under state law," the Archdiocese of Vilnius said.
Švedavičius was suspended from his duties following allegations of offences involving the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving children in alcohol consumption.
After petitioning the Holy See to be dismissed from the priesthood, he also accepted personal responsibility for compensating the victims. The prosecutor’s office announced in August that Švedavičius’ case had been referred to court.
The Archdiocese of Vilnius said it would continue to strengthen safeguards for minors and vulnerable adults, improve prevention measures and do everything possible to ensure that the faith community is a safe place for everyone.
The next safe-environment training session is scheduled for 27 October in Vilnius. Švedavičius faces substantial compensation claims from victims, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros.
Defendants accused of this type of crime typically face an actual prison sentence of 10 years, which is the average of the sentence prescribed by law.
Prosecutor Egidijus Motiejūnas appealed to journalists to encourage anyone else who may have been victimised by the priest to come forward and contact law enforcement.
There are 11 victims in the case, most of whom have their own lawyers. Hearings in the case will be held in private.
Cases involving sexual offences in Lithuania are heard in closed court sessions.
The boys who were victims were aged between 12 and 18 when the alleged offences took place.
All of them are now adults. Švedavičius, who worked in the Archdiocese of Vilnius, is charged with 34 offences involving the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving children in alcohol consumption.
The alleged offences are believed to have taken place between 2002 and 2025. Švedavičius was ordained a priest on 29 June 2001.