PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Patch
By Leslie Truluck
Answering media requests, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia released a statement regarding the removal of Father Louis C. Bier, Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish.
Bier was pastor of Saint Patrick’s Church in Norristown from 1997 to 2002. He replaced Rev. Salvatore Riccio in Springfield less than a year ago when Riccio left the parish to become a senior priest at Our Lady of the Assumption in Strafford.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia released the following statement:
Father Louis C. Bier, Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, Delaware County, has been placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. O.F.M. Cap. in response to concerns regarding his suitability for ministry at this time.
These concerns are not connected to any complaint of inappropriate behavior with minors. An announcement regarding this situation was made at all Masses at the parish this weekend.
While on leave, Father Bier will not exercise his public ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, wear clerical garb, or present himself publicly as a priest. Father Bier has not been living at the parish since prior to this weekend. A parochial administrator will be appointed by Archbishop Chaput as soon as possible.
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