BELIZE CITY (BELIZE)
Love FM [Belize City, Belize]
November 13, 2026
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan says it is reviewing records connected to the ministry of former missionary priest Father Edward Gallagher, following reports surrounding his conviction on sex offences in Northern Ireland. The review comes after questions were raised about his time serving in San Ignacio, Cayo, and reports that a Belizean teenager later travelled with him to Northern Ireland. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan is examining records from Father Edward Gallagher’s time serving in Belize, following revelations of his guilty plea to more than one hundred sex offences in Northern Ireland. Gallagher served as a missionary priest in San Ignacio, Cayo, between approximately 1999 and 2004 after being sent to Belize by the Diocese of Derry. In a statement issued on November 12, the Belize diocese said it has not received any complaints or allegations of abuse against Gallagher during his years of ministry here. However, officials say they are reviewing available records as part of their responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability. The review follows reports that, after his missionary assignment in Belize ended, Gallagher returned to Northern Ireland accompanied by a Belizean teenage boy who reportedly lived with him for a period of time. The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan said anyone with information or concerns is encouraged to come forward and that such matters will be handled with confidentiality, respect and pastoral care. Gallagher, who is 59 years old, pleaded guilty at Londonderry Crown Court in October to 109 sex offences committed between 2023 and 2025. The charges include attempting to communicate sexually with children and possessing indecent images of children. The offences occurred years after his service in Belize. Gallagher remains in custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for December 9. Church authorities in Northern Ireland say Gallagher was removed from ministry following his arrest, and the Bishop of Derry has indicated that he is seeking his dismissal from the priesthood through the Vatican. The Belize diocese says its review remains ongoing.