PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By Robert Zullo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The pastor of a Beaver County Catholic church has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the late 1990s.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh said in a news release today that the priest, John Fitzgerald, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Conway, denies “committing any acts of sexual abuse.” The abuse allegedly occurred in Allegheny and Lawrence counties and the allegations have been reported to the district attorney’s offices in those jurisdictions, the diocese said.
“Prior to this, no other allegation of sexual abuse against Father Fitzgerald has come to the Diocese of Pittsburgh,” the news release said.
While on leave, Father Fitzgerald will be unable to administer sacraments, wear clerical attire or identify himself as a priest, Bishop David Zubik said in the news release.
“If a determination is made that Father Fitzgerald did what he is accused of, those restrictions will become permanent. If it is determined that the allegation is unfounded, all that is possible will be done to restore Father Fitzgerald’s reputation and return him to ministry,” Bishop Zubik wrote.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.