CHURCH SHOCK Catholic priest Father John Sweeney axed from Cranhill parish over cop probe into his alleged trysts with teenage girl and sectarian slur

By Rebecca Gray And Ashlie Mcanally
Scottish Sun
July 27, 2017

https://goo.gl/DCnHfB

Priest will not perform duties at Saint Maria Goretti

Father Sweeney at his ordination

A CATHOLIC priest has been suspended amid a cop probe into his alleged relationship with a teenage girl, church chiefs have confirmed.

Father John Sweeney, 41, was removed from his parish after he was reported to prosecutors over incidents said to have happened with the 17-year-old during the last year.

The clergyman, who leads services at Saint Maria Goretti in Glasgow, is also accused of making a sectarian slur. A source said last night: “The allegations have rocked the congregation.”

Sources said the investigation centres on allegations of “inappropriate conduct whilst in a position of trust”.

As inquiries continued, one insider said his parishioners were stunned by the police investigation.

The source added: “The congregation only discovered Father Sweeney was not there when another priest led the service. Everyone is in complete shock.”

All the alleged incidents — including the sectarian breach of the peace ­— are said to have taken place at his parish between July 2016 and last month. The slur was allegedly made in October.

Last night, another priest at the church told The Scottish Sun Father Sweeney was “on holiday”.

Cops said a man aged 41 was arrested on Monday after they received a complaint.

And church chiefs confirmed Father Sweeney had been put on leave while police carry out the investigation.

A spokesman said: “The Archdiocese is co-operating fully with the police as they continue their inquiries. Father Sweeney will not perform any parish duties until further notice.

“Given that this is now an active case any further comment is not possible at this time.”

Father Sweeney had been due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday but was allowed to stay away while the probe continues.

A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Procurator Fiscal received a report concerning a 41-year-old male in connection with alleged incidents said to have taken place between July 1, 2016, and June 28, 2017.

He was freed from custody pending further inquiries and did not appear in court.”

Father Sweeney was ordained by Archbishop Mario Conti at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin in 2010. He was appointed parish priest at Saint Maria Goretti in September 2013.

Since then, he has accompanied worshippers on a pilgrimage to Rome.

He also joined members of the congregation on a trip to Krakow in Poland for World Youth Day last year.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “A 41-year-old man was arrested on Monday.”

Father Sweeney’s lawyer Calum Ross refused to comment.