A Priest in Good Standing?

MINNESOTA
Canonical Consultation

Jennifer Haselberger

08/28/2016

Yesterday’s Santa Rosa Press Democrat contained an interesting article about the circumstances of Archbishop Nienstedt’s residence in that diocese. Apparently, the relocation had the approval of the local bishop, as well as Archbishop Hebda.

However, as has been previously indicated, the materials released by the Ramsey County Attorneys Office include a statement indicating that the former Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis had minors in his hotel room at World Youth Day, undressed before them, and had them undress before him (Exhibit 9). This would amount to a violation of just about any Code of Conduct, and could possibly be an act of sexual abuse of a minor if the actions were for Nienstedt’s gratification. Is the Church investigating this?

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