Pennsylvania diocese laments priest’s incardination in Paraguay

March 18, 2014

The Diocese of Scranton has issued a statement lamenting a Paraguayan diocese’s decision to allow the incardination of a priest accused of sexual abuse.

In 2005, Bishop Joseph Martino, now retired, suppressed the Society of St. John-- which had been known for its promotion of the extraordinary form of the Mass, but also criticized for reports of lavish spending-- following accusations of sexual abuse against its founder, Father Carlos Urrutigoity. Bishop Martino’s predecessor, Bishop James Timlin, had suspended the priest’s faculties after a diocesan review board found an abuse allegation credible.

Father Urrutigoity was subsequently incardinated in the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, named a monsignor, and appointed diocesan vicar general.

The Diocese of Scranton “reported its serious concerns about this cleric to appropriate church officials, including Bishop Rogelio Livieres, Bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay; the Apostolic Nuncio to Paraguay; and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States,” the diocese said in its statement.

“In every instance, Bishop Martino clearly expressed his reservations concerning Father Urrutigoity, who was identified as posing a serious threat to young people,” the statement added. “Bishop Martino also carefully and consistently expressed his grave doubts about this cleric’s suitability for priestly ministry and cautioned the Bishop of the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay to not allow Father Urrutigoity to incardinate into his diocese. Despite these serious cautions, Bishop Rogelio Livieres informed the Diocese of Scranton that he was allowing Father Urrutigoity to incardinate into his Paraguay diocese.”

 

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Further information:

• Statement Regarding the Status of Reverend Carlos Urrutigoity (Diocese of Scranton)
• Former head of suppressed community is vicar general of Paraguay diocese (CWN, 3/14)