PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer
By John P. Martin
Inquirer Staff Writer
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said Thursday that he hoped to complete within two months an Archdiocese of Philadelphia review of nearly two dozen Catholic priests suspended last year over past accusations of sexual abuse or misconduct around children.
“Our ability to act on these cases has been limited by a number of stubborn legal and practical factors,” Chaput wrote in his weekly newsletter. “But some of these cases are very near conclusion. My hope is that most will be completed and announced over the next eight weeks.”
The archbishop did not elaborate. Archdiocesan officials have steadfastly declined to discuss the cases.
Chaput’s remarks came a year to the day after his predecessor, Cardinal Justin Rigali, ordered 21 priests removed from active ministry while church officials reexamined complaints against them.
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