Monsignor Joseph Kelly Found Guilty of Abuse

Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly of the Diocese of Scranton has been found guilty under canon law of sexually abusing two minors after a four-year investigation. The Diocese received multiple allegations against Kelly, with seven individuals accusing him prior to October 2020 and an additional claim made in January 2023. Five of the eight allegations were deemed credible, leading to a canonical trial where Kelly was found guilty of two charges. As a consequence, he has been permanently barred from exercising any priestly ministry and prohibited from wearing clerical attire. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera expressed apologies for the pain inflicted on victims and emphasized the importance of their healing. Despite the church's ruling, Kelly has not faced criminal charges and has publicly denied the allegations.