It is with great sadness that we learned of the recent events surrounding the arrest of Father Robert McWilliams. This has been devastating and heart-wrenching for the entire Catholic community in Northeast Ohio. All of us feel tremendous emotions of shock, disappointment and confusion.
Currently, I am in Rome for required regular pastoral meetings with the Holy Father and the offices of the Vatican and I wish I could be there with you during this difficult time. I ask you to join me in prayerful solidarity for healing asking for God’s grace and guidance in this painful situation.
Please know that we stand ready to cooperate with law enforcement in this matter. I am deeply committed, as the shepherd of our diocese, to the safety and well-being of our children.