August 20, 2010 - Archdiocese Announces Robert P. Beale Is No Longer in the Clerical State

ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON
66 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
TEL: (617) 746-5775                
FAX: (617) 782-9416

For Immediate Release                                            
Contact:        
Kelly Lynch 
[email protected]
617-413-9074

(Braintree, Massachusetts)  August 20, 2010… The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that the Holy See has decided that Robert P. Beale is no longer in the clerical state. Fr. Beale sought, through a voluntary process, to be removed from the clerical state.  As a result of the Holy See’s decision, he ceases to receive any financial support from the Archdiocese and may no longer function in any capacity as a priest, with the exception of offering absolution to the dying.

In 2002, Rev. Robert P. Beale was accused of the sexual abuse of minors in the 1970s.  Upon receiving the allegations, the Archdiocese placed Fr. Beale on administrative leave and restricted him from public ministry.

In announcing the Holy See’s decision today, Cardinal O’Malley stated, “The conclusion of this process provides an important opportunity for me to again apologize for the crimes perpetrated by clergy and for the suffering so many members of our community have endured.  I remain committed to providing pastoral care and support services to all who have been harmed by the tragic reality of clergy sexual abuse.”