Bishop warns vs scammers posing as priests in Antipolo

Bishop Francisco de Leon of Antipolo is warning Catholics against a spate of fake priests who are scamming parishioners for money, supposedly for good causes.

The bishop said many parishioners of the diocese have been targeted by these fraudsters.

“Fraud priests has been causing problems and difficulties in some parishes in our diocese,” De Leon said in a circular addressed to the clergy recently.

“We are not allowing them to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in our diocese and we are not giving them faculties in our diocese,” he said.

He ordered the clergy to warn their parishioners against men illegitimately exercising priestly ministry in the diocese.

“Please report to our Chancery any fake priest celebrating Masses or house blessings or asking money or gift cards,” the bishop said.