Ex-Archbishop John Nienstedt did not commit a crime: Holy See investigation
Tom Lyden from the Vault: Ex Archbishop John Nienstedt's past
Tom Lyden brings us the story of how 40 years ago, as a young priest, Nienstedt failed to protect a child in his own family who was allegedly abused by his best friend, a fellow priest. Nienstedt's failure to address the sexual abuse allegations in his own family, and his cold and calculated response to the family decades later, would foreshadow his failure to adequately address the sexual abuse crisis in the church. Nienstedt resigned from the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis in June 2015 while it was under criminal investigation and in bankruptcy.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Holy See in Rome has concluded John Nienstedt, the ex-Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, did not commit a crime. Nienstedt resigned in 2015 after charges of a sex abuse coverup rocked the archdiocese.
"After reviewing all of the information gathered, the Dicasteries for Bishops and for the Doctrine of the Faith concluded that the available evidence did not support a finding that Archbishop Nienstedt had committed any canonical delict (crime). Accordingly, the allegations against Archbishop Nienstedt were deemed unfounded," Archbishop Bernard Hebda said in a statement on Friday.
Even though Nienstedt did not commit a crime, per the Holy See, Hebda said he learned of several instances of "imprudent" actions, which led Pope Francis to issue three administrative actions. They are:
- Archbishop Nienstedt may not exercise any public ministries in the province of St. Paul and Minneapolis (the province covers all of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota).
- He may not reside in the provinces of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
- He may not do any work with a church outside of where he lives without permission and informing the Dicastery for Bishops.
Hebda did not detail the "imprudent" actions, only saying that none of the actions "were determined to warrant any further investigation or penal sanctions."
In a statement on Friday, Nienstedt said, in part, "I have asked the Holy See, through my canonical advocate, to clarify the ‘imprudent’ actions I allegedly committed while in Minnesota." Nienstedt now lives in Michigan and has denied the allegations.
SNAP reacts to investigation
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) released a statement on Friday in response to the Holy See investigation's conclusion, saying "The Catholic Church must take a stand against abuse and cover-ups, not only for the sake of the victims but also to prevent similar incidents from occurring worldwide. Those responsible for such heinous acts must face real penalties and be held accountable for their actions."
Here's SNAP's full statement:
"A multiyear investigation overseen by the Catholic Church into Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, who resigned from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2015, has ended with the Vatican finding that he acted "imprudently" in several instances but not criminally under canon law, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda said in a statement Jan. 5.
"The investigation, overseen by the Catholic Church, aimed to address the alleged misconduct of Nienstedt and provide closure to the victims and their families. However, we believe the findings have left many faithful in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis feeling betrayed and harboring mistrust towards the church's handling of the situation. The failure to adequately address Nienstedt's alleged misconduct has caused significant pain and suffering for the victim-survivors and their loved ones. It leaves more questions rather than answers.
"To address these concerns, the Vatican has imposed restrictions on Nienstedt, prohibiting him from residing in the province of St. Paul or Minnesota. To us, this decision reflects the church's reluctance to associate with the former Archbishop, indicating a clear apprehension among church officials. Nienstedt resigned in disgrace in 2015 after the archdiocese faced criminal charges of ‘failure to protect children’ and filed for bankruptcy.
"As we see it, the lack of consequences for clerics who conceal child sex crimes sends two distressing messages. Firstly, it tells abuse victims that their pain is inconsequential. Secondly, it signals to other clerics that no matter the suffering they cause, they will always be protected within the church. These messages are deeply hurtful to the vulnerable, the already wounded, and the church itself.
"Those accused of sexually abusing or covering up abuse must not be allowed to enjoy the privileges that come with ordination. Ignoring Nienstedt's behavior only serves to condone it and encourages a culture of corruption within the church, where clergy and staff members may turn a blind eye, knowing that the consequences will be minimal if they are caught.
"The Catholic Church must take a stand against abuse and cover-ups, not only for the sake of the victims but also to prevent similar incidents from occurring worldwide. Those responsible for such heinous acts must face real penalties and be held accountable for their actions."
Nienstedt full statement on the investigation's conclusion
Archbishop John Nienstedt served as host at a panel discussion about federal immigration reform at the University of St. Thomas Wednesday September 04 ,2013 in Minneapolis , MN. .] JERRY HOLT • jerry.holt@startribune.com (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star T
Here is Nienstedt's full statement:
"Seven years ago, I submitted my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in order to give the Archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we faced at that time. My leadership had unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of Christ’s Church and those who performed them. Thus, my decision to step aside.
"Since then, I have fully cooperated with any investigation into allegations made against me and I have answered every question asked of me honestly and to the best of my recollection.
"I was recently informed that the Vos estis (investigation) by Dicasteries for Bishops and for the Doctrine of the Faith has been completed and that the Holy See determined that the available evidence did not support a finding that I had committed any canonical delict (crime) and deemed the allegations against me unfounded. I have asked the Holy See, through my canonical advocate, to clarify the "imprudent" actions I allegedly committed while in Minnesota.
"I will heed the direction given to me by the Holy Father, which I have been following for the past seven years. I am retired now so my ministry will continue to be limited. I am sorry for any pain experienced by anyone because of the allegations against me, and ask for your prayers for their healing. I also ask for continued prayers for the well-being of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and its leaders."