Fr. Francis C. Santilli
Placed on leave in 2/22 due to an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1979 or 1980. Pastor of St. Philip in Greenville since 2010 when suspended. Per the diocese, it received an allegation on 12/29/21 against a priest currently active in the diocese, without naming him. State police investigated and interviewed the alleged victim, who named Santilli, then informed the diocese 2/2/22. Unable to criminally prosecute due to the statute of limitations. The diocese had received reports of the sexual abuse of minors by Santilli twice before: in 2012 a man alleged abuse as a young altar in the early 1980s, and that Santilli also molested his brother; in 2014 a man alleged abused by Santilli as an altar boy, age 10, in 1980 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Providence. One alleged victim is known to have died by suicide. The Diocesan Review Board determined that both the 2012 and 2014 allegations lacked credibility, and Santilli was kept in ministry. Lawsuit filed in 5/22.
- Letter from Diocese to RI State Police 04.17.12
- Diocese of Providence Response to SNAP 03.24.14
- Church of the Holy Ghost 08.29.19
- Providence Journal 02.03.22
- WPRI 02.03.22
- Providence Journal 02.04.22
- Boston Globe 02.04.22
- Providence Journal 02.10.22
- Providence Journal 03.24.22
- Providence Journal 05.20.22
Sources:
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