RI Bishop Apologizes to Victims in Clergy Sex Abuse Report

Attorney General outlines findings from 6-year investigation into abuse allegations

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha met with The Providence Journal to discuss the findings of his office's more than six-year investigation into clergy sex abuse allegations in the state. In response, the Bishop of Rhode Island has issued a letter to Catholics in the state, apologizing to victim-survivors for the church's failures to protect them in past decades.

Why it matters

The release of the clergy sex abuse report and the Bishop's letter are significant events that shine a light on a dark chapter in the Catholic Church's history and demonstrate the ongoing efforts to reckon with and provide accountability for past abuses.

The details

Neronha's investigation uncovered numerous allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members over many years. The report details the church's failures to properly address and respond to these allegations, leaving many victims unprotected. In his letter, the Bishop acknowledged these failures and apologized directly to the victim-survivors.

  • The Attorney General's investigation spanned more than 6 years.
  • The Bishop's letter to Rhode Island Catholics was issued on January 29, 2026.

The players

Peter Neronha

The Attorney General of Rhode Island who led the investigation into clergy sex abuse allegations.

The Bishop of Rhode Island

The Catholic Bishop who issued a letter to Rhode Island Catholics apologizing for the church's failures to protect victims of clergy sex abuse.

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What they’re saying

“I take this opportunity to apologize to the victim-survivors for the failures of church personnel and others in past decades to protect them and keep them safe.”

— The Bishop of Rhode Island

The takeaway

This report and the Bishop's response demonstrate the ongoing need for transparency, accountability, and support for victims as the Catholic Church continues to reckon with its history of clergy sex abuse. It is a somber reminder that more work remains to be done to ensure the protection of the vulnerable and the pursuit of justice.