Fr. James F. Seculoff

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Died: 02/2/2025
Diocese: Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend IN

High school principal. Head of Catholic Schools beginning in 1970. Resigned and retired in 1/2014 after the Diocese received an allegation that Seculoff of sexually abused a minor about 44 years prior. The Review Board deemed the allegation credible. Matter referred to Rome. As of 1/27/2014 three more accusers had come forward with credible allegations. Seculoff was removed from public ministry 10/13/2015. His name is included on the Diocese’s 9/18/2018 list, which notes five credible allegations. The Diocese’s list in 9/2021 shows six credible allegations.  In 1/2025 it shows that Seculoff had been sentenced in 11/2022 to a Life of Prayer and Penance. In its judgment, the Vatican stated “he was found guilty of sexual abuse of minors on many occasions and solicitation to violations of the sixth commandment in the Sacrament of Confession on many occasions.” He died 2/2/2025.

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