At the request of Most Reverend Richard Lennon of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, the Holy See has granted the request that Richard Arko be removed from the clerical state.
Arko first took a leave of absence from priestly ministry in 2004 following charges of cultivation of marijuana. He was later removed from active ministry in 2004 and then resigned ministry in 2005 following charges of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Removal from the Clerical state means that in accord with canon law, Richard Arko is no longer incardinated in the Diocese of Cleveland and he is unable to function in any capacity as a priest anywhere, with the exception of offering absolution to the dying.
The Diocese of Cleveland remains committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse.