BIRMINGHAM (AL)
WKRG-TV, CBS-42 [Mobile AL]
November 26, 2025
By M.K. Bryant
HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — An Alabama priest who was put on leave in August after a woman claimed he began a sexual relationship with her when she was 17 has been removed from the clergy by Pope Leo, according to the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham.
“In light of complaints made against him in July of this year, Father Robert J. Sullivan, of his own accord, submitted a petition to Pope Leo, requesting that he be dispensed from all the obligations arising from Holy Orders,” Bishop Steven Raica said in a statement Wednesday.
According to Raica, Pope Leo’s decision to remove Sullivan from the clergy was communicated Monday.
“The canonical investigation of the allegations, referred to the Dicastery in late summer, now concludes with this dispensation,” Raica’s statement continued. “A diocesan financial review, initiated at my request due to the significant payments alleged to have been made by then-Father Sullivan, was recently completed and found no link between the allegations and any diocesan, parish, or school funds.”
Raica’s full statement can be read here.
The allegations against Sullivan were made by Heather Jones, who claimed Sullivan gave her financial support in exchange for “private companionship,” including sex. She said this relationship started when she was 17.