Diocese of Providence place priest on leave for sexual abuse allegation from 40 years ago

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- The Diocese of Providence have announced that Reverend Francis C. Santilli has been placed on administrative leave due to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor from 40 years ago.

The Diocese is cooperating full with law enforcement and the Attorney General, Santilli will not be able to exercise any of his duties as a public ministry and he is not allowed to reside on church property.

Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, released the following statement,

“Allegations of sexual abuse by clergy, even if they occurred decades ago, always must be taken seriously. I will be praying for all who are involved and affected by this difficult news.”

Reverend Tobin has appointed Reverend Phillip J. Dufour as Administration Pro Tem of the parish in the wake of Santilli’s resignation.

Santilli has been assigned Pastor of St. Philip Parish in Greenville, R.I. since July 1, 2010. He was ordained in 1980.