Rhode Island Attorney General Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Report Reveals Widespread Abuse and Cover-Ups
Posted on: June 20, 2026 Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
A newly released report from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office has shed light on decades of child sexual abuse within the Diocese of Providence, documenting a pattern of abuse and institutional failures that spanned more than 70 years.
The comprehensive investigation, which began in 2019, examined over 250,000 pages of church records and included interviews with sexual abuse survivors and witnesses. According to the report, at least 72 clergy members were found to have been credibly accused of sexually abusing children dating back to 1950. Investigators concluded that hundreds of children were victimized during that period, though officials believe the true number may be significantly higher.
Attorney General Peter Neronha stated that the Diocese of Providence repeatedly prioritized protecting the reputation of the Church over the safety of children. The report describes a longstanding pattern in which allegations of child sexual abuse were not consistently reported to law enforcement, internal investigations were inadequate, and accused clergy were often allowed to remain in positions that provided access to children.
The investigation also led to criminal charges against several current and former priests. While some cases remain pending, officials emphasized that many allegations could no longer be prosecuted because of the passage of time or the deaths of accused clergy members.
Current Diocese leadership acknowledged the findings and issued apologies to survivors, while advocacy groups called the report a significant step toward accountability and transparency. Catholic church sexual abuse survivors and their supporters say the findings validate concerns that had been raised for decades.
The Rhode Island Catholic Church sexual abuse report represents one of the most extensive examinations of clergy abuse in the state’s history. Its findings underscore the lasting impact on survivors and highlight ongoing calls for accountability, transparency, and stronger protections for children moving forward.
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