Archbishop Paul Russell - Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit Denies Abuse Allegations and the Archdiocese Releases a Statement

A lawsuit was  filed that alleges Archbishop Paul Fitzpatrick Russell, age 63, who previously was a Vatican ambassador, sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy decades ago in Massachusetts. The suit was filed on August 1st  in Boston,  Russell is one of five auxiliary bishops in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Russell was a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston from 1989 to 1990 when the alleged incidents occurred. (Source: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/02/fitzpatrick-russell-lawsuit-detroit-catholic-bishop-sexual-assault/10209654002/)

Archdiocese Statement: Regarding the Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Archbishop Paul Russell

The Department of Communications shares the following statement from the Archdiocese of Detroit regarding the civil lawsuit filed August 1, 2022 in Massachusetts against Archbishop Paul Russell: Archbishop Russell is shocked and saddened by the claims that have been made, and states that they are without merit. He holds in prayer all those who have ever been victimized by a member of the clergy. Archbishop Russell was appointed by Pope Francis as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 23, 2022. The Archdiocese of Detroit was not aware of any allegation of misconduct against Archbishop Russell until it was contacted by media Monday, August 1. Effective immediately, Archbishop Russell is refraining from all public ministry, and will continue until further directed by the Holy See. The canonical (Church law) guidelines, as provided by the Holy See, are being followed. The Archdiocese of Detroit offers its prayers for all victims of clerical abuse and their families.

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