Anger on CNMI's Rota over axing of priest

9:47 am on 6 November 2015

On Rota in the Northern Marianas a squabble over a sacked Catholic priest could go all the way to Rome.

Parishioners are up in arms that church officials have stripped Monsignor Louis Antonelli of most of his duties.

The parish council of San Isidro Church in Sinapalo on Rota has also started a petition complaining about the move, to be sent to the Pope's representative in the Pacific.

Fr Antonelli is considered an icon on the island where he has been for 42 years.

The parishioners say he has always fulfilled his obligations and responsibilities and has accomplished more for them than any person in Rota's history.