Fr. Peter J. Karalus
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. Per a 2012 Town of Hamburg Police report, Blessed John Paul II parishioners wrote to Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Vigano with concerns that Karalus, who was their pastor, was engaging in inappropriate conduct with young boys of the parish. Child Protective Services forwarded the complaint to the Diocese. Bishop Malone met with Karalus who denied wrongdoing; Malone “[felt] that the allegation was unfounded.” Karalus was kept in ministry. In 3/2020 Karalus was placed on leave due to an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a male minor in 2011. Karalus allegedly used inappropriate words during confession. Karalus emphatically denied the allegation. The Diocese announced 5/28/2020 that the Diocesan Review Board found the allegation to be unsubstantiated, and the District Attorney found no basis to file charges. Karalus was returned to active ministry.
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