PHILADELPHIA, March 8 (UPI) -- Cardinal Justin Rigali, the archbishop of Philadelphia, said Tuesday he has placed 21 priests accused of sexually abusing children on administrative leave.
The archdiocese said in a release on its Web site the action was taken after an initial examination of files in the cases. A thorough independent investigation will be conducted in each case, the church said.
The suspensions followed a grand jury report alleging widespread abuse and a cover-up that went on for decades.
"These have been difficult weeks since the release of the grand jury report: difficult most of all for victims of sexual abuse, but also for all Catholics and for everyone in our community," Rigali said. "As we strive to move forward today, I wish to express again my sorrow for the sexual abuse of minors committed by any members of the church, especially clergy. I am truly sorry for the harm done to the victims of sexual abuse, as well as to the members of our community who suffer as a result of this great evil and crime."
The grand jury named 37 priests in its February report. Eight were not put on administrative leave after the initial review determined no further action was necessary. Three others were put on administrative leave when the report came out, one was already on leave, two are incapacitated and not in active ministry, and two are no longer serving in the archdiocese but church officials where they currently reside have been notified.
"Since 2005, the archdiocese has worked very hard and we believed that we were on the right path, making significant progress in the protection of children and in the investigation and handling of abuse allegations," the cardinal said. "In fact, the present investigation of sexual abuse began as a result of reports from the archdiocese to the district attorney's office. The 2011 grand jury report, however, presented us with serious concerns that demand a decisive response."
The archdiocese said its initial review was conducted by Gina Maisto Smith, a former Philadelphia assistant district attorney who has prosecuted child sexual assault cases for nearly two decades, with help from her law firm and a forensic psychiatrist.
The cardinal's actions were based on her recommendations. She will lead a team of experts to investigate more fully each case.
"I want to be clear: These administrative leaves are interim measures," Rigali said. "They are not in any way final determinations or judgments.
"I know that for many people their trust in the church has been shaken. I pray that the efforts of the archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice."
