Fr. Rudolph M. Silvers

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

Silvers was publicly named as accused in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. In 11/1988 a young man, age 18, reported that Silvers fondled him when he was ages 12-15. Silvers denied the abuse. The man asked for money for counseling but the diocese refused, saying there were no funds. The alleged victim met with the diocese in 3/2002; SIlvers again denied the allegations. The diocese agreed to provide financial compensation for the man’s counseling since 1979, and going forward. In 1990-1991 the mother of a boy, age 13-14, complained to the diocese about Silvers inappropriate attention toward her son, and was concerned about the same interest Silvers showed to another boy. The woman’s son also wrote to the diocese about Silvers’ behavior. In 2012 a man reported to the diocese that Silvers sexually abused him at St. Sylvester’s in the mid-late 1970s, when he was ages 10-11. Silvers again denied the abuse. Silvers withdrew from active ministry in 7/2002. Included on the Pittsburgh diocese’s list of credibly accused.


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