FLORIDA
Herald Tribune
STAFF REPORT
Published: Friday, May 23, 2014
VENICE – At least 10 priests and pastors in the Diocese of Venice sent a letter to papal authorities voicing sharp criticism of Bishop Frank Dewane, questioning the diocese’s financial transparency under his leadership and condemning what the group called Dewane’s “bullying” and “outbursts of rage,” according to a Fort Myers television station.
Channel 2, an NBC affiliate, posted the letter Thursday evening but did not disclose who signed it.
Bob Reddy, the diocese’s communications director, told the Herald-Tribune on Friday that after some “vague inquires” the diocese confirmed that the letter sent to Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano appears legitimate.
But the diocese strongly disputed the allegations.
“Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice in Florida take seriously all letters of inquiry. However, anonymous letters or unsigned correspondences, as such, in professional circles lack all credibility,” the diocese responded. “This is a clear attempt to maliciously and publicly damage the reputation of Bishop Dewane and the Diocese of Venice.”
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