Allegation Dismissed Against Msgr. Francis Boyle

Posted

The Holy See has confirmed Cardinal Dolan’s recommendation to dismiss an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor that had been brought against Msgr. Francis Boyle, a priest of the archdiocese. The usual canonical investigation determined that the allegation had not been proven, and, after consultation with the archdiocesan review board, these findings were forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 

Cardinal Luis Ladaria, S.J., prefect of the congregation, wrote to Cardinal Dolan with the congregation’s conclusions. In a letter dated September 17, 2020, Cardinal Ladaria said that, after studying the case of Msgr. Boyle, they had determined that the accusation brought against him “does not have the semblance of truth,” and further directed the archdiocese to take whatever steps are needed to restore his good name.

Msgr. Boyle, retired and in ill health, has had his priestly faculties restored.