MANILA - Pope Francis will have the final say on whether the Filipino priest caught with a 13-year old girl will be expelled from the priesthood or not, Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz said on Sunday.

Cruz told radio DZMM that the most serious punishment the Church can impose on Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos is to strip him of his priesthood.

Lagarejos was arrested in Marikina last July 28 while allegedly on his way to a motel with a 13-year-old girl.

Cruz said Lagarejos' case will be sent to a congregation of the clergy who will then make a recommendation to Pope Francis.

"Ang magde-decide lang ay ang Santo Papa. 'Pag sinabi po ng congregation na ito po ang aming recommendation, yes or no, no yes. Ang Santo Papa naman sasabihin n'ya yes or no," Cruz said.

The Pope's decision will be final, he said.

Lagarejos was released on August 2 after posting a bail of P120,000. Church authorities have already relieved Lagarejos of his duties and banned him from talking to minors.

The priest is facing charges of trafficking, but Metro Manila police chief C/Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the girl's parents or the Department of Social Welfare and Development can still file a rape case against the priest.

Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District director, has ordered a thorough investigation of the case following reports that the priest already met with the minor twice and had sex with her once.