Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
Accused in 2013 of touching a boy’s buttocks after a Confirmation in 2009. County attorney found “insufficient evidence” in 3/2014. Returned to ministry as archbishop. Internal investigation of alleged misconduct with adults, revealed in 7/2014. It reportedly found “sexual advances” by Nienstedt toward two priests. Nienstedt kept the findings secret and, per an MPR report, authorized a new investigation by a second law firm. Resigned in 6/2015, per 401.2, soon after the Archdiocese was criminally charged for contributing to child sex abuse. Documents released in 7/2016 show allegations of Nienstedt’s “promiscuous gay lifestyle,” and Vatican cover-up. Nienstedt denied the allegations. In 2016 he was working at the Napa Institute in CA. The Detroit Archdiocese announced in 10/2018 that Nienstedt said he was going to move to a house he owns in southeast MI, agreeing to abstain from public ministry. Allegations revealed in 12/2018 that he invited two minors to a hotel room to change out of wet clothes in 2005 at a Vatican youth rally in Germany. The Vatican announced in 1/2024 that it had concluded regarding the misconduct allegations that Nienstedt took “imprudent” actions but did not violate church law; he was then barred by Pope Francis from living in and public ministry in MN, ND or SD, and was allowed ministry elsewhere only with authorization of the local bishop and if he informs the Dicastery for Bishops ahead of time.
- Minnesota Public Radio 06.19.13
- Minnesota Public Radio 12.17.13
- Star Tribune 12.17.13
- Star Tribune 03.11.14
- Commonweal Magazine 07.01.14
- Star Tribune 06.15.15
- New York Times 07.20.16
- Pioneer Press 07.20.16
- Fox 9 07.20.16
- Houston Chronicle 07.20.16
- Star Tribune 07.21.16
- National Catholic Reporter 07.21.16
- Pioneer Press 07.21.16
- Minnesota Public Radio 07.21.16
- CBS Minnesota 07.21.16
- Minnesota Public Radio 07.29.16
- Catholic Spirit 08.02.16
- National Catholic Reporter 08.03.16
- Pioneer Press 08.04.16
- Fox 9 08.23.16
- Press Democrat 08.27.16
- Canonical Consultation 08.28.16
- FOX 9, 09.27.16
- Star Tribune 09.29.16
- Fox 9 04.25.17
- American Conservative 08.06.18
- Archdiocese of St. Paul -Minneapolis 08.31.18
- Archdiocese of Detroit 10.24.18
- Catholic Spirit 11.02.18
- Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis 12.14.18
- Associated Press 12.18.18
- Metro Times 03.20.19
- Crux 03.23.20
- Star Tribune 03.24.20
- Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis 01.05.24
- Associated Press 01.05.24
- Star Tribune 01.05.24
- The Pillar 01.19.24
Sources:
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