PHILADELPHIA – The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has placed two retired priests on administrative leave, bringing to 23 the number of priests suspended following a scathing grand jury report that accused church officials of protecting predator priests.
Cardinal Justin Rigali (rih-GAH'-lee) placed the priests on leave Wednesday pending an investigation. They have not been identified.
One priest retired in 2006 and has assisted at parishes in another diocese where he lives. That diocese has been informed of the suspension. The other priest retired in 2005 and is not serving in any public ministry.
Last month a grand jury blasted the diocese in a report that charged two priests, a former priest and a Catholic school teacher. A former high-ranking church official was accused of transferring problematic priests without warning their new parishes of sex-abuse complaints.
