PENNSYLVANIA
Pocono Record
March 15, 2014
In response to a local media report concerning the status of Reverend Carlos Urrutigoity and the Diocese of Scranton, it is documented that during his time as Bishop of Scranton, the Most Reverend Joseph Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D. took the necessary steps to suppress the Society of Saint John and to deal with the priests of the extinguished Society.
Father Urrutigoity was a member of the now suppressed Society. In so doing, the Diocese reported its serious concerns about this cleric to appropriate church officials, including Bishop Rogelio Livieres, Bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay; the Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay; and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
In every instance, Bishop Martino clearly expressed his reservations concerning Father Urrutigoity, who was identified as posing a serious threat to young people. Bishop Martino also carefully and consistently expressed his grave doubts about this cleric’s suitability for priestly ministry and cautioned the Bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay to not allow Father Urrutigoity to incardinate into his diocese. Despite these serious cautions, Bishop Rogelio Livieres informed the Diocese of Scranton that he was allowing Father Urrutigoity to incardinate into his Paraguay diocese.
While the Diocese of Scranton continues its commitment to report accusations of child sexual abuse to appropriate law enforcement and governmental entities and to create safe environments for children and young people, it also recognizes the responsibility of the Universal Church to respond to such accusations responsibly, transparently and with expediency.
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