ST. FRANCIS — Having fulfilled the requirements of canon law regarding financial support for priests, and facing financial challenges in running the archdiocese, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki has withdrawn financial support from nine abusive priests.
In a letter dated Sept. 16, the archbishop noted that at the close of the fiscal year on June 30, the archdiocese reviewed the expenses it incurred in supporting priests who have been restricted from ministry because of substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
Noting that the archdiocese had followed the prescripts of canon law, he stated, “The archdiocese has provided such support in various ways, including health insurance and some housing assistance. This past fiscal year, that cost exceeded $90,000.”
The nine priests have been informed of the archbishop’s decision, which will take effect Oct. 1.
“Those individuals will now provide for their own insurance through their secular employer or on their own, just like any individual in today’s society. Those old enough would be eligible for Medicaid/Medicare,” the archbishop said.
