Two more Philadelphia priests placed on leave

Philadelphia Archdiocese has placed two more priests have been placed on administrative leave as part of an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse of children by clergy.

Cardinal Justin Rigali made the announcement yesterday, an archdiocesan statement says.

“This action is a result of the continuing dialogue with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office following the Grand Jury Report issued February 10, 2011,” the statement continues.

“In its ongoing response to concerns raised by the District Attorney’s Office, the Archdiocese conducted an initial review which resulted in the administrative leave of the two priests pending a more thorough, independent investigation. Consistent with Cardinal Rigali’s previous statement, these steps are interim measures and are not in any way final determinations or judgments.

“Cardinal Rigali’s actions today and on March 8th when he placed 21 priests on administrative leave were based upon recommendations by Gina Maisto Smith, a former child abuse prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for nearly two decades. As previously announced Mrs. Smith, a partner at the law firm of Ballard Spahr, is conducting an initial review of cases of concern.

“The cases of administrative leave will be more fully investigated by Mrs. Smith and a team of experts including a pediatrician with expertise in the field of child abuse, a forensic psychiatrist and psychologist, an expert from the child advocacy community and other experts,” the statement says.

SOURCE

Archdiocese of Philadelphia places two retired priests on administrative leave (Philadelphia Archdiocese)

2 more retired Philadelphia priests placed on leave in abuse probe (CNN)