BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has placed Fr. Stephen DeLuca, a retired priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, on administrative leave and has removed his faculties to exercise any and all forms of public ministry as a priest.
The decision was made after the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board ruled that there is credible evidence of an incident of child abuse on the part of Fr. Deluca more than 30 years ago.
A letter to the parishes where Fr. Deluca was assigned as a priest will be read at all Masses this weekend. An abbreviated announcement will also be made in parishes where Fr. DeLuca was in residence during his nearly 50 years as a priest.
“During this difficult time, we first and foremost ask your prayers for the victim and the victim’s family—and for all victims of sexual abuse–that they may find healing. In the spirit of reconciliation, we also ask that you pray for Fr. DeLuca and for our Church that we may move forward in our sacred obligation to protect the children, youth and vulnerable adults in our community,” said Bishop Caggiano.
