Clergy of Buffalo Diocese Tenders Resignation

During priest abuse , Richard J. Malone, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, resigned his position. His leaving follows after Pope Francis assigned Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to begin an inquiry of the Buffalo Diocese. The investigation was demanded by whistleblower reports of Bishop Malone’s lack of disclosure of hidden Diocesan files detailing reports of child sexual abuse by clergy serving the Buffalo Diocese.

Commonly referred to as sub secreto which is specifically condoned by Roman Catholic Canons which govern the Church’s internal operations, the files reportedly included child sexual abuse documentation implicating in excess of 100 clergy – a number in stark contrast to the identities of 42 priests identified on a list of credibly implicated clergy offered from Bishop Malone during 2018.

Brooklyn Bishop DiMarzio allegedly delivered a report of his research to Pope Francis in mid-November. Shortly thereafter, Bishop Malone submitted his resignation that has been accepted by the Pope. The Buffalo Diocese services approximately 600,000 Catholics and is one of the largest in the northeastern United States.

priest abuse have legal options. If you or a family member suffered sexual abuse as a child, by a priest serving in the Buffalo Diocese, or elsewhere, and wish to learn more regarding your legal rights, you may speak with a qualified attorney.