Statement on Father Anh Ngoc Quoc Vu
October 25, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing to inform you that I placed Reverend Anh Vu on administrative leave in August after the Diocese was notified of an allegation of a single incident of abuse involving a minor. The police advised the Diocese to limit our public communication related to this allegation during their investigation, and we cooperated fully with their request. We have now received official notification from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that they have substantiated the allegation of abuse against Father Vu. The process being conducted by civil authorities continues.
A finding of substantiation is not a finding of guilt. Father Vu was first contacted by DCF on October 1, and he adamantly denied the allegation. Father Vu hired an attorney, and we expect that he will file an appeal with DCF.
We have notified the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board, and they have accepted the determination of credibility reached by DCF. I have removed Father Anh Vu’s priestly faculties and prohibited him from engaging in public ministry. The bishop of the diocese where Father Vu was studying has been informed.
In April, a plan was in place to address Father Vu’s immigration status, and his departure was in no way related to the allegation as the allegation was made after Father Vu had already left the country. Father Vu held an R-1 visa while in the Diocese. The initial term for an R-1 visa is 30 months with the ability to extend that R-1 visa for another 30 months. After that 60-month period, a person holding an R-1 must leave the country for one year before being able to return under an R-1 visa. For Father Vu, his R-1 expired in August 2025, so he was required by US immigration law to reside outside the United States for one year before becoming eligible to return to the US under an R-1 visa.
At the time of the alleged misconduct, Father Vu was fully compliant with Safe Environment training, and he successfully cleared all criminal background checks. Prior to this alleged incident, there has never been a single complaint of misconduct involving Father Vu.
Father Anh Vu has been a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport since 2022 and he was assigned at The Cathedral Parish, Saint Cecilia-Saint Gabriel Parish, Saint Leo Parish, and most recently at Saint Rose of Lima Parish.
We are grateful that the parents came forward, and we pledge to work with them in any way possible to bring about healing during this difficult time. The Diocese is also grateful to the police for their sensitivity and professionalism in handling the investigation.
This is deeply disturbing news for all involved. It is also distressing in light of our diocesan efforts to keep children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe. We pledge to continue to prevent incidents of abuse from occurring or going unnoticed or unreported. Our Diocese remains committed to building on the significant child protection programs already underway and to further strengthen our efforts to protect all who are vulnerable.
Please know that you remain in my prayers, just as I ask for yours during this difficult time.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
The Diocese urges anyone with concerns or information to notify the CT Department of Children and Families at 1-800-842-2288 and please call the Office of Safe Environments at (203) 650-3265 or email eneil@diobpt.org, or the Survivor and Witness Hotline: (833) 990-0004 or emailing • www.lighthouse-services.com/diobpt All calls will be handled with a high level of confidentiality at all times.
