Probe begins in sex abuse allegations against Bishop Dupre

Published: 2004-02-17

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CNS) -- The Hampden County district attorney's office has interviewed several officials of the Springfield Diocese as part of its investigation into allegations that recently retired Springfield Bishop Thomas L. Dupre engaged in sexual misconduct with minors. Among those questioned have been Msgr. Richard Sniezyk, diocesan administrator; Mark Dupont, diocesan spokesman; and Laura Failla Reilly, the diocesan victims' advocate. The early retirement of Bishop Dupre, announced Feb. 11, hours before allegations were made public by The Republican daily newspaper, has left many questions unanswered. Bishop Dupre, 70, entered an undisclosed medical facility Feb. 10 shortly after being informed by telephone that Pope John Paul II had accepted his request for early retirement for health reasons. Normally, bishops are requested to submit their resignations at age 75. As of Feb. 17, the bishop had not made a public statement about the allegations made against him and had remained secluded. Meanwhile, diocesan officials have been cooperating in the investigation with Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett. They also have sent all relevant information to the Boston Archdiocese. Under church rules, accusations against a bishop are to be sent to the provincial archdiocese, which then forwards them to the Vatican.

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