SPRINGFIELD (IL)
Springfield State Journal-Register
By DAVE BAKKE
STAFF WRITER
Published Saturday, April 29, 2006
Joseph Havey, a former Springfield priest accused of sexual abuse of minors in the 1970s and early '80s, has been removed from the clergy by Pope Benedict XVI.
According to the papal decree, Havey, who has not been an active priest for more than 20 years, cannot present himself as a priest or perform any clerical duties.
Diocese spokeswoman Kathie Sass said Friday that, while such a decree is rare, it has happened in the Springfield diocese previously.
"Maybe the person had left the ministry," Sass said. "There can be a number of reasons. This one is unusual in that, at the request of Bishop (George) Lucas, it comes directly from the pope."