The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh placed one of its priests under administrative due to child sexual abuse allegation.
Bishop David Zubik made the decision on Saturday against Rev. Joseph Feltz, who allegedly sexually abused a minor in the mid-1980s. Feltz denied the allegation, which was included in the lawsuit against the diocese.
Zubik sent a letter regarding the matter to all parishes where Feltz has served. He explained that the Diocese will follow its policies and of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Feltz recently served as a pastor of Saint Christopher Parish in Prospect, Butler County. He retired from the parish in October, but remained in active ministry.
According to the Diocese, “Priests on administrative leave may not engage in public ministry, dress as priests or otherwise present themselves as priests in good standing. If the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated following an investigation, his faculties for ministry will be restored.”
