Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is set to release a report detailing findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse within the Diocese of Providence. The investigation, launched in 2019, focused on how the diocese handled clergy abuse allegations dating back to 1950. The report aims to identify prosecutable cases and confirm that no credibly accused clergy remain in active ministry. Rhode Island has the highest per capita Catholic population in the U.S., making the findings particularly relevant to the state. The inquiry was initiated following a major 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report on similar abuse issues.
3 days ago
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a 284-page report on March 4, 2026, detailing a multiyear investigation into clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.1 3 5
The probe, launched in 2019 via a voluntary agreement with the diocese, reviewed abuse complaints dating back to 1950.1 5
It describes a "scourge" of abuse plaguing the state for decades, with the diocese prioritizing its reputation over child safety.3 5
The report identifies 75 credibly accused clergy: 61 diocesan priests and deacons, 13 religious order members, and one extern priest.3 4 5
These individuals allegedly abused over 300 victims from 1950 to 2011.5
It highlights 20 previously unidentified by the diocese publicly.3 4
Common diocesan responses included transferring accused priests, using "spiritual retreats," or sabbaticals.3 4
Inspired by Pennsylvania's 2018 grand jury report, Neronha's office gained access to all abuse allegations since 1950.1
Rhode Island State Police assisted, aiming to assess responses, identify prosecutable cases, and check active ministry.1
Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, has the highest Catholic population per capita at nearly 40%.1 3
Bishop Bruce Lewandowski apologized in a video, acknowledging past failures and renewed trauma for survivors.5
The diocese called the report "untested perspectives" without legal force, stressing no recent abuse, no accused in current ministry, and full legal reporting compliance.3 4 5
It noted voluntary cooperation over 6.5 years, providing 75 years of records without compulsion.3 4 6
Newly listed accused averaged over 104 years old if alive, posing no current threat; many were not under direct diocesan jurisdiction.3 4
The diocese accused the report of portraying old cases as ongoing problems to sway legislators on statute of limitations extensions.3 4 6
It highlighted decades of internal reforms predating U.S. bishops' 2002 policies, crediting thousands for effective responses.3 4
Neronha countered that survivor pain has no time limit and history demands reforms.5
Four priests face criminal charges; three await trial.5
The AG urges expanding criminal statutes for second-degree sexual assault and civil claims against institutions.3 4 5
These aim to enhance child safety and accountability for perpetrators and enablers.3 5
The diocese leads U.S. per-capita Catholics, under Bishop Lewandowski, appointed April 2025 by Pope Francis.3 4 5
Examine how Catholic abuse protocols evolved after 1950
Catholic Church protocols for addressing sexual abuse of minors by clerics have evolved significantly since the mid-20th century, shifting from primarily local diocesan handling under general canon law to centralized procedures at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF, now Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith or DDF), with extended statutes of limitations, mandatory victim assistance, civil cooperation, prevention programs, and accountability for bishops. This progression reflects growing emphasis on protecting minors, ensuring due process, and applying "zero tolerance," while harmonizing canon and civil law.
After 1950, cases were managed at the diocesan level without specific centralized norms for sexual abuse of minors. Post-Vatican II (1960s onward), a small number of cases reached the CDF, often linked to abuse in the sacrament of Penance or requests for laicization. The 1983 Code of Canon Law (CIC) updated discipline in can. 1395 §2, stating: "A cleric who in another way has committed an offense against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue, if the delict was committed by force or threats or publicly or with a minor below the age of sixteen years, is to be punished with just penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state if the case so warrants." Canonical trials occurred in dioceses, with appeals to the Roman Rota; administrative recourses went to the Congregation for the Clergy.
In 1994, the Holy See granted a U.S. bishops' indult raising the minor's age to 18 and extending prescription (statute of limitations) to 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday, requiring diocesan trials with Roman Rota appeals. This was extended to Ireland in 1996. Bishops retained primary responsibility, but no uniform global protocols existed, and prevention or victim care was not systematically addressed.
A pivotal shift occurred with Pope St. John Paul II's motu proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela (SST) (April 30, 2001), classifying sexual abuse of a minor under 18 by a cleric as a delictum gravius (grave delict) reserved to the CDF. Prescription was set at 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday, applying to Latin and Eastern clerics, diocesan and religious. Bishops or Major Superiors conduct preliminary investigations (CIC can. 1717), referring credible cases to the CDF for further steps, ensuring due process and victim care.
A May 18, 2001, CDF letter informed bishops, replacing the 1962 Crimen Sollicitationis instruction. Special faculties allowed administrative processes or ex officio dismissal requests in serious cases. This centralized oversight while affirming bishops' initial roles.
Pope Benedict XVI revised SST norms (Normae de gravioribus delictis, May 21, 2010), extending prescription to 20 years from age 18 (with CDF derogations possible) and adding acquisition, possession, or distribution of child pornography as a delict. Permanent penalties like dismissal required judicial processes referred to CDF (SST art. 21 §2; CIC can. 1342).
The CDF's 2011 Circular Letter guided Episcopal Conferences in developing guidelines, emphasizing:
Bishops limit ministry during investigations; wrongly accused clerics receive name rehabilitation.
Pope Francis intensified reforms, establishing the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (2014, formalized 2015 letter), urging full implementation of 2011 guidelines, periodic reviews, victim meetings, and pastoral/psychological programs. Bishops ensure minor safety in parishes/institutions.
Key documents:
Evolution includes "Days of Prayer," victim dialogue, and reparation spirituality, addressing omissions as scandal. Consultative bodies aid but do not replace bishops' authority.
| Period | Key Changes | Age Threshold | Prescription | Central Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2001 (1983 CIC/1994 indult) | Diocesan trials; general penalties | 16 (CIC), 18 (US 1994) | 10 yrs from 18th bday (US) | Local/Rota |
| 2001 SST | CDF reservation; preliminary probe | <18 | 10 yrs from 18th | CDF |
| 2010 Revision | +Pornography; admin processes | <18 | 20 yrs from 18th | CDF |
| 2016+ (Francis) | Bishop removal; VELM; Commission | <18 + vulnerable | Case-by-case derogations | DDF + Conferences |
Post-1950 evolution transformed reactive, decentralized responses into proactive, uniform protocols prioritizing victim dignity, prevention, justice, and transparency. From 1983 CIC's baseline to SST's centralization, 2010 extensions, and Francis's accountability mechanisms, the Church harmonizes canon law with civil duties, excluding abusers from ministry and fostering "safe environments." Ongoing refinements, like 2024 clarifications, ensure adaptability while upholding due process. This safeguards the faithful, especially minors, as Christ's entrustment.