ST. LOUIS, April 11 (UPI) -- Archbishop Justin Rigali confirmed Thursday a St. Louis priest has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor.
The arrest occurred Wednesday night but the priest's name was withheld pending formal charges.
"I again reiterate that the safety and protection of our children is our highest priority," Rigali said in a statement. "I repeat my abhorrence of the reprehensible evil of sexual abuse and my determination to do everything possible to put an end to it."
Rigali said he has urged the priest to cooperate with those investigating the charges, which surfaced last week.
"This came as a devastating shock," Rigali said. "To our priests I repeat my encouragement to lie lives of integrity. I have urged any of my brother priests aware of any of these issues to address them at this time."
Earlier, the Rev. James Beine was jailed for allegedly exposing himself to students at a St. Louis public school.
