A new investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island shows that an estimated 75 priests abused more than 300 children since 1950.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which serves as the home church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, is seen Tuesday Feb. 24, 2026, in Providence, R.I. Church abuse survivor Ann Hagan Webb speaks during an interview at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office in Providence, R.
I., on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha speaks during a press conference at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office in Providence, R.I., on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Church abuse survivor Dr. Herbert Brennan speaks during a press conference at the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office in Providence, R.I., on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. A statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus is displayed outside St. Mary's Church, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Cranston, R.I. Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which serves as the home church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, is seen Tuesday Feb. 24, 2026, in Providence, R.I. – A new investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, shows that an estimated 75 priests abused more than 300 children since 1950, with the state's top law enforcement chief warning Wednesday that the scope of the abuse is likely much bigger.since 2019.According to Neronha, the church could be doing more to address child sexual abuse. Yet diocese leaders have pushed back at the conclusions from the report, maintaining there are no “credibly accused clergy in active ministry.”The report described church records as “damning,” declaring that the diocese often failed to take the proper steps to protect children from sexual abuse. While clergy abuse has been widely exposed, up until Wednesday's report, the scope of what took place in Rhode Island had largely been unknown. The report flagged that the diocese often transferred accused priests to new assignments without thoroughly investigating complaints or contacting law enforcement. This practice was common, as other investigations in Boston, Philadelphia and elsewhere have exposed. This includes the Diocese of Providence opening a “spiritual retreat-style facility” in the early 1950s, where several accused priests were sent elsewhere for a period of time with the goal of returning to work. This practice evolved into sending accused priests to more formal treatment centers after determining clergy abuse may stem from mental health problems. The report said the diocese’s “overreliance and misplaced faith” in the treatment centers was at best “absurdly Pollyannaish.”Were any of the priests chargedcriminal chargesNeronha’s office has charged four current and former priests with sexual abuse for allegations stemming from 2020 to 2022. Three of them are still awaiting trial. The fourth priest died after being deemed incompetent to stand trial in 2022.In a lengthy response, the Diocese of Providence acknowledged that were “serious missteps” made by church leaders in the past, but stressed that the diocese willingly shared internal records under a 2019 agreement with the state. “The report presents this 75-year history in ways that might lead the reader to conclude these issues are an ongoing diocesan problem or that these are new revelations. They are not,” the statement said.The state's report urged clergy leaders to address ongoing concerns about abuse, outlining multiple changes for the diocese, which include providing clear investigative timelines and guidelines. The report then stressed the need for the diocese to abandon the practice of requiring victims to take polygraph tests and to stop refusing to investigate third-party complaints about priests. Separately, Neronha called on Rhode Island lawmakers to change various state laws that would remove obstacles for victims in coming forward. He particularly noted that state law currently prevents grand jury reports from becoming public. This meant his office couldn't use that option to investigate the diocese because he didn't want the findings to remain secret. Neronha also recommended that the criminal statute of limitations on second-degree assault should be extended and that the civil statute of limitations on certain child sexual abuse claims should be expanded. Those bills are currently being introduced inside the Democratic-controlled statehouse. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Yearslong drought could be the final straw for South Texas farmersFormer San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg declares victory over Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in Democratic primaryFormer San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg declares victory over Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai in Democratic primaryMore than 95k election voters turn out in Bexar CountyJohn-Paul reports from polls closingKSAT's Erica Hernandez gives an update from the Bexar County District Attorney raceNew $185 million luxury Hemisfair hotel opens its doorsSome Northwest Side apartment residents spend 2 days without electricitySan Antonio blood donations needed after Austin mass shooting impacts inventoryWar in Middle East leaves San Antonio family trapped in IsraelFaith leaders finish 90-mile walk calling for release of children, parents in ICE custodySan Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones censured in historic firstSan Antonio's Animal Care Services is trying to track down a cat with a jar stuck on its headSan Antonio's Animal Care Services is trying to track down a cat with a jar stuck on its headDrone 12 captures video of new multimillion-dollar retail development on Northwest Side▶Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones proposes new commission to increase voter turnout in San AntonioSeguin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.SState Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins plans to attend Feb 26 Judson ISD school board meetingNeighbor, police still haunted by unsolved murder of woman on East SideWhat you need to know before riding on a Waymo in San AntonioNew West Side thrift store supports at-risk shelter animalsHusband of Rep. Tony Gonzales’ former aide says focus is on the factsNeighbor calls for changes at NE Bexar County intersection where crash led to woman’s miscarriageNeighbor calls for changes at NE Bexar County intersection where crash led to woman’s miscarriage
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandThe state’s attorney general first launched the investigation in 2019.
Read more »
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandA new report says Rhode Island Catholic clergy abused hundreds of children for decades, while church leaders worked to downplay and minimize the scandal.
Read more »
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandThe investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General found Catholic priests in Rhode Island preyed on hundreds of children for decades, getting away with sexual abuse largely due to a system where bishops prioritized minimizing scandal as the diocese maintained a secret archive to conceal the revelation of more victims..
Read more »
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandA new report says Rhode Island Catholic clergy abused hundreds of children for decades, while church leaders worked to downplay and minimize the scandal.
Read more »
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandA new report says Rhode Island Catholic clergy abused hundreds of children for decades, while church leaders worked to downplay and minimize the scandal.
Read more »
Sprawling investigation finds decades of sexual abuse among Catholic priests in Rhode IslandCatholic priests in Rhode Island preyed on hundreds of children for decades, getting away with sexual abuse largely due to a system where bishops prioritized…
Read more »