New York state sues Buffalo diocese over priest misconduct
November 23, 2020 12:07PM AKST
FILE – In this Feb. 13, 2013, file photo, Bishop Richard Malone, of Buffalo, speaks before distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo, N.Y. A civil suit filed Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, former Bishop Malone and an auxiliary bishop sheltered and improperly financially supported accused priests by letting them retire or go on medical leave when they should have reported them to the Vatican. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File)
By CAROLYN THOMPSON Associated Press
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s attorney general is suing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo and two former church leaders, accusing them of covering up allegations of sexual misconduct against predatory priests. The civil suit filed Monday alleges the diocese, former Bishop Richard Malone and an auxiliary bishop sheltered and improperly financially supported accused priests by letting them retire or go on medical leave when they should have reported them to the Vatican. Attorney General Letitia James says the civil lawsuit follows a two-year investigation. The diocese says it is reviewing the claims.
