Fr. Leonardo G. Mateo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Extern priest from the Philippines. Arrived in Los Angeles in 1959. A 2003 lawsuit alleged abuse in CA in 1959. Left L.A. in 1960. Assigned in the El Paso diocese 1975-1976. Was working in the Joliet diocese by 1977, where allegations were made in 1983 and 1991. Left Joliet in 1984, worked in Chicago and later returned to the Archdiocese of Cebu. Died in 2004. Name on the 4/2006 Joliet list of priests with credible allegations. Joliet agreed to release personnel files in 3/2013 as part of a settlement in Rudofski v Joliet & Bennett. Files released 4/30/2014. Also named in a civil suit filed 4/30/2014. An additional suit was filed by three men 9/18/2014 against the Joliet Diocese claiming abuse in 1980. Settled in 8/2018 for $1.4M. On the Richmond diocese’s list 6/27/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes at least ten “reported survivors.”

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