Priest Abuse Rhode Island
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which serves as the home church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, is seen Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Providence, R.I.
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A new report says Rhode Island Catholic clergy abused hundreds of children for decades, while church leaders worked to downplay and minimize the scandal. On Wednesday, Attorney General Peter Neronha released the report after a multiyear review. The report says 75 clergy molested more than 300 victims since 1950, but the totals are likely higher. Neronha says church officials cooperated in handing over records but limited the investigation by denying key interviews. During the investigation, Neronha said his office charged four current and former priests for sexual abuse they allegedly committed while serving in the Diocese. Three of those priests are still awaiting trial.
