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Catholic World News News Feature

Questions persist about New Mexico bishop's injuries August 02, 2007

Officials in Gallup, New Mexico, have expressed open skepticism about a Catholic bishop's explanation that he was injured in a fall at home.

Bishop Donald Pelotte was hospitalized on July 23 after suffering injuries that caused serious brain trauma. Police and emergency-room personnel reported that his multiple injuries appeared to have been the result of a severe beating.

Bishop Pelotte, who has been able to speak with police, insists that he was hurt when he fell on the stairs of his residence. There was no evidence of forcible entry into the bishop's residence, nor was any property missing. Police in Gallup say that in the absence of a complaint from the bishop or some other party, they have no reason to investigate the incident.

Father James Walker, the vicar general of the Gallup diocese, released a statement on July 31 asking for an end to speculation about the bishop's injuries, and saying that Bishop Pelotte should be able to provide a full explanation when he is sufficiently healthy. Doctors said that the timetable for the bishop's recovery is uncertain.