Massachusetts AG finds more than 270 clerics abused nearly 1,000 children in 3 dioceses

October 01, 2026

A report released by the attorney general of Massachusetts found that more than 270 Catholic clerics abused nearly 1,000 children over the course of a century in the Dioceses of Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester.”

“While previous investigations and public reporting exposed widespread abuse and institutional failures in the Archdiocese of Boston, this is the first comparable public accounting of what occurred in these three dioceses,” Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell wrote in the report, released on September 30.

“I am filled with sorrow over the historical account of incidents and practices reflecting the tragic failings to protect our most vulnerable, especially for the innocent victims who suffered, and continue to suffer, in so many ways,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., of Fall River. “Today’s report, released by the Attorney General’s Office is a humbling reminder of the need for continued vigilance in properly handling all instances of child sexual abuse when reported to us,” said Bishop William Byrne of Springfield.

Bishop Robert McManus of Worcester added, “As your bishop, I am profoundly sorry for the abuse of minors by priests within this diocese since its founding in March 1950. I continue in my commitment with the help of many collaborators to do everything we can to ensure such abuse does not happen again.”

 

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Further information:

• AG Campbell Releases Report On Child Sexual Abuse In Fall River, Springfield, And Worcester Dioceses (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 9/30/26)
• Statement of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. (Diocese of Fall River, 9/30/26)
• Bishop Byrne releases statement following attorney general report on clergy abuse (Diocese of Springfield, 9/30/26)
• Statement on AG Report on Child Abuse (Diocese of Worcester, 9/30/26)