St. Paul-Minneapolis archbishop resigns after archdiocese charged with abuse cover-up

Archbishop John Nienstedt has resigned following charges that his archdiocese covered up clergy sex abuse

(Image credit: Twitter/@kare11)

published 15 June 2015

On Monday, the Vatican said that Pope Francis has accepted the resignations of St. Paul-Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee Anthony Piche, 10 days after Ramsey County prosecutors charged the archdiocese with six gross misdemeanor counts for failing as a corporation to protect children from a former priest, Curtis Wehmeyer, and allegedly "turning a blind eye" to numerous reports of Wehmeyer's inappropriate behavior.

Wehmeyer is in jail after being convicted of molesting two boys, but no individuals in the archdiocese were charged in the alleged cover-up. In a statement, Nienstedt said he tendered his resignation to give the archdiocese "a new beginning," explaining that his "leadership has unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of His Church and those who perform them." Nienstedt added: "I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults." Pope Francis appointed Rev. Bernard Hebda apostolic administrator of the archdiocese until a new archbishop is appointed.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.