Report Exposes Decades of Abuse by Rhode Island Priests

Catholic bishops protected priests who harmed hundreds of children, investigation finds

Mar. 5, 2026 at 3:25am

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A new report by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office has revealed that Catholic priests in the state preyed on hundreds of children for decades, with bishops more concerned about protecting the church's reputation than addressing the abuse.

Why it matters

This investigation is the latest in a series of reports across the US that have uncovered systemic failures by the Catholic Church to address widespread sexual abuse by clergy members. The findings underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability within the church.

The details

The report, released after a multi-year investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence, details how priests abused hundreds of children over the course of several decades. Church leaders were found to have protected the abusive priests, prioritizing the institution's reputation over the wellbeing of victims.

  • The investigation spanned several years before the report's release on March 5, 2026.

The players

Peter Neronha

The Attorney General of Rhode Island who oversaw the investigation and released the report.

Catholic Diocese of Providence

The Rhode Island diocese investigated for its failure to address widespread sexual abuse by priests over several decades.

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What they’re saying

“This report details a betrayal of the trust placed in the Catholic Church by the people of Rhode Island, especially its children, by those who were charged with their spiritual and physical well-being.”

— Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General

The takeaway

This investigation underscores the urgent need for the Catholic Church to fully reckon with its history of sexual abuse and prioritize the protection of vulnerable children over the preservation of its own reputation.