Bishop Sought "Transparency" in Putting Priest on Leave

The Advertiser
July 29, 2016

http://www.theadvertiser.com/insider/?utm_medium=overlay&utm_source=bounce-exchange&utm_campaign=insiderpage

A grim Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel stepped up to the podium in the John XXIII Room in the Immaculata Center Wednesday afternoon.

Deshotel had to address child pornography images allegedly found on the personal computer of the Rev. F. David Broussard, pastor of St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge.

Broussard was arrested earlier in the day by the Louisiana State Police for possession of child pornography, some 500 images and 500 counts worth. He was released from the St. Martin Parish jail later the same day on $25,000 bond.

Deshotel put Broussard on administrative leave from his priestly duties and called the press conference.

In June, Pope Francis issued a decree, in the form of an apostolic letter, that bishops can and should be removed if they actively or passively sanction sex abuse in their dioceses.