SCRANTON (PA)
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
On March 14, 2014, a story was published in the Pocono Record newspaper regarding the status of Reverend Carlos Urrutigoity (the story is included at the end of this statement). That story, which has since been referenced by other media outlets and websites, contained an inaccurate statement whereby Bishop Joseph F. Martino, former bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, allowed Reverend Carlos Urrutigoity to transfer to the Diocese of Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. The following statement clarifies how the Diocese of Scranton handled this matter:
Diocese of Scranton
Statement Regarding the Status of Reverend Carlos Urrutigoity
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. To this end, the Diocese of Scranton continues to reiterate its efforts in this particular matter despite what appears to be a lack of reciprocity in this particular case. In acknowledging the frustration brought about by this case, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, commented, “Every case of sexual abuse is appalling and leaves profound wounds. Cases such as this demand the promise of every diocese, parish and school throughout the Church to do all we can to learn from the mistakes of the past and establish safeguards for the future.”
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