This is a moment of profound sadness for it underlines publicly failure in the life of a priest

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham

Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham confirmed on Monday that the Decree of Laicisation, which removes all of Taylor's rights as a Catholic priest, had been sanctioned by Pope John Paul II.

He said: "On February 1, 2001, Eric Taylor received and accepted the decision of Pope John Paul II by which he is returned to the lay state within the Catholic Church.

"From that moment, he is no longer a Catholic priest.

"The request for dispensation was made jointly by the Archdiocese of Birmingham and Eric Taylor himself.

"It was made and has been granted for the good of the Church."

Archbishop Nichols with the decree to expel Taylor

Archbishop Nichols told a news conference: "This is a moment of profound sadness for it underlines publicly failure in the life of a priest, the deep distress suffered by those who were abused by him and the sense of shame and sorrow carried by many Catholics, both people and priests.

"I again express my sorrow and regret for the events that took place those years ago. I assure all concerned that I will do everything I can to bring about reconciliation and a new start."

He stressed that changes had been implemented to protect youngsters from rogue priests to prevent the situation happening again.

"The atmosphere has changed very considerably in the last 10 years. There is now a keen awareness to provide safe environments for all children in the care of the Church whether it's for a few hours or many years.

"Procedures are in place. We are taking this very seriously."

Following Taylor's conviction in 1998, it emerged that he had a previous criminal conviction for indecent assault on boys in 1975 before he was sent to the children's home.