Rome Priest Put on Leave Diocese Probes 27-year-old Allegation

Rome Sentinel
December 8, 2016

http://romesentinel.com/rome/rome-priest-put-on-leave-diocese-probes-27-year-old-allegation/QBqple!ochoq1h7nEMnJPazlRN6Gg/


A Rome clergyman is on a leave of absence while the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse investigates details of an allegation of abuse of a minor 27 years ago.

The Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio, pastor of St. John the Baptist and Transfiguration parish, wrote and read a statement to parishioners on the weekend of of Nov. 19-20 stating he would be taking a leave of absence.

On Wednesday, the diocese issued a statement offering more details:

“Father Paul Angelicchio has been temporarily placed on administrative leave due to an allegation of abuse of a minor. The alleged incident would have taken place 27 years ago,” the diocese said. “The allegation was first made to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office who forwarded it to the diocese after their review.”

“Please note that the allegation has not been substantiated,” the diocese’s statement continued, “But in keeping with the policy and practice of the diocese, and in conformity with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Father Angelicchio is not permitted to publicly function as a priest until the matter is resolved. The diocese will follow its policy in regards to allegations of abuse including having the entire matter reviewed by professionals and the Diocesan Review Board.”

Rev. Angelicchio is a native of Rome, a 1969 graduate of Rome Catholic High School. In 2011, he returned to the city as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church and Transfiguration Church. Previous to that he had been pastor of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church in Syracuse for eight years. In 1992, he was appointed pastor of Holy Family Church in Fairmont, Syracuse. Other assignments included parochial vicar at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Syracuse, part-time parochial vicar at St. Ann’s Church in Manlius and part-time director of Corcoran Faith Center, director of Fowler/Corcoran Center and parochial vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Syracuse. From 1977 to 1999, he served as police chaplain for the City of Syracuse. He was ordained on May 7, 1977, and offered his first Mass at St. John the Baptist Church on May 8, 1977.