MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A long-running Vatican investigation into allegations of misconduct against Archbishop John Nienstedt, former leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, finds that the archbishop acted “imprudently” but in violation of canon law. The archdiocese announced Friday that it had concluded that it had not.
But the archdiocese also said Nienstedt remains barred from public life after the investigation.
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Nienstedt was one of the first U.S. bishops known to be removed from office over a botched sexual abuse investigation. He resigned in 2015 after Minnesota prosecutors accused the archdiocese of failing to protect children from harm by a pedophile priest who was later convicted of sexually abusing two young boys. Nienstedt was later accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with an adult male and a minor.
His successor, Archbishop Bernardo Hebda, said in 2016 that Nienstedt had taken two minors to a hotel room to change their wet clothes during a youth gathering in Germany in 2005. I invited them and then I started undressing in front of them and encouraged them to do the same. Nienstedt was the bishop of New Ulm, Minnesota at the time.
A Vatican investigation found that the archbishop's actions were thoughtless but not criminal in nature.
Nienstedt has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing against him, maintained he remains single and said he welcomed an investigation. But Hebda in 2018 barred Nienstedt from holding masses or other public services in the St. Paul-based archdiocese until the allegations were resolved.
On Friday, Hebda said in a statement that he had recently been informed that the investigation had been completed. The Vatican Curia, which is responsible for enforcing sexual morality, concluded that the available evidence does not support a violation of canon law. Therefore, such allegations against him are “baseless.”
However, Hebda said that “several 'indiscretions' were reportedly brought to light” and although none were deemed to warrant “further investigation or criminal punishment”, the Pope Francis said he had decided on three administrative sanctions against Nienstedt. Justified.
As a result, Nienstedt is no longer able to hold public office in St. Paul-Minneapolis, which covers Minnesota and the Dakotas. He cannot live in that prefecture. And without the approval of the local bishop, he cannot perform ministry elsewhere, and only after the Vatican is notified.
Tom Halden, a spokesman for the archdiocese, said in a statement that Nienstedt remains an archbishop and is believed to reside in Michigan. Nienstedt has kept his public profile low since 2016, when he came under fire after news broke that he was working as a congressman in a Michigan parish. Nienstedt did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on his findings and the actions he is taking against him.
Hebda's statement did not say what Nienstedt's “imprudent” actions were. A spokeswoman said she could not provide details, and Vatican media officials did not immediately respond to an email requesting more details.
Nienstedt said in a statement that he has “fully cooperated” with all investigations into the allegations against him and answered all questions truthfully and to the best of his memory. He said he had asked the Holy See to clarify the “imprudent” act he allegedly committed.
“I intend to follow the instructions given to me by the Pope, and I have continued to do so for the past seven years,” Nienstedt said. “As I am currently retired, my ministry will continue to be limited. I apologize to those who have felt pain due to the allegations against me, and I ask that you pray for their healing.” said.
Hebda's statement also did not say why it took so long for the Vatican to complete its investigation. However, Hebda said that the canon law enacted by Francis in 2019, which states that allegations of sexual abuse and concealment against bishops and priests must be reported and investigated, “created a path towards resolving the Archbishop Nienstedt issue.” said.
“Please join me in praying that this resolution will bring further healing to our archdiocese and all those involved in these issues,” Hebda concluded.
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SNAP, a network of survivors of people abused by clergy, said in a statement that the investigation left more questions than answers. The group said the restrictions on Nienstedt show the church's reluctance to engage with him, but its failure to adequately address his allegations of misconduct. Ta.
SNAP said, “Ignoring Mr. Nienstedt's actions only condones them and fosters a culture of corruption within the church, where clergy and staff members have no repercussions even if they are arrested.'' “They may turn a blind eye knowing that this will be minimized.”
