Rhode Island Probe Uncovers Decades of Abuse by 75 Catholic Priests

State Attorney General calls for reforms as report details over 300 victims since 1950

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new investigation by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office has found that an estimated 75 Catholic priests in the Diocese of Providence abused more than 300 children since 1950. The report describes the church's records as "damning" and accuses the diocese of often failing to properly investigate complaints or notify law enforcement, instead transferring accused priests to new assignments or sending them to treatment centers.

Why it matters

The report sheds light on the extensive history of clergy sexual abuse in Rhode Island, which had previously been largely unknown. It adds to the growing body of evidence documenting widespread abuse within the Catholic Church and the institutional failures that allowed it to continue for decades.

The details

According to the report, the Diocese of Providence often transferred accused priests to new assignments without thoroughly investigating complaints or contacting law enforcement. In the early 1950s, the diocese opened a "spiritual retreat-style facility" to house accused priests, later evolving to sending them to formal treatment centers. By the 1990s, accused priests were sometimes placed on sabbatical leave. Of the 75 priests identified, only 20 faced criminal charges and just 14 were convicted.

  • The investigation has been ongoing since 2019.
  • The report was released on March 5, 2026.

The players

Peter Neronha

The Rhode Island Attorney General who led the investigation into the Diocese of Providence.

Diocese of Providence

The Catholic diocese in Rhode Island that the investigation focused on, accused of failing to properly address clergy sexual abuse.

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What they’re saying

“The report flagged that the diocese often transferred accused priests to new assignments without thoroughly investigating complaints or contacting law enforcement.”

— Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (wbal.com)

What’s next

Rhode Island lawmakers are currently introducing bills to remove obstacles for victims to come forward, including expanding the criminal statute of limitations on second-degree assault and the civil statute of limitations on certain child sexual abuse claims.

The takeaway

This report underscores the urgent need for the Catholic Church to fully address its history of clergy sexual abuse and implement robust reforms to protect children and support victims. It also highlights the importance of independent investigations to uncover the full scope of abuse that has taken place.