Vatican
Priest in Ireland admits to over 100 child sex offenses as bishop seeks Vatican dismissal
First source report
Father Edward Gallagher has admitted to 109 child sex offense charges occurring between June 22, 2023, and April 18, 2025, according to the BBC and BelfastLive. The charges against the Diocese of Derry priest include attempted sexual communication with a minor, attempted solicitation of sexual activity from a child, and possession of child pornography.
Bishop Michael Router said he will ask the Vatican to dismiss Gallagher from the clerical state and has ordered the required documentation to be sent to the Holy See immediately. Router stated that the Church has a responsibility to respond truthfully and justly, though canonical penalties cannot remove the suffering of survivors.
Gallagher awaits sentencing on Dec. 9.
AI-assisted briefing based on the sources below.Sources behind this story
- Reporting@ewtnewsPriest in Ireland admits to over 100 child sex offenses as bishop seeks Vatican dismissal
Catholic News Agency · Madalaine Elhabbal
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How the coverage unfolded
- Oct 9, 9:17 AM Catholic News Agency Priest in Ireland admits to over 100 child sex offenses as bishop seeks Vatican dismissal
- Oct 9, 11:21 AM National Catholic Register Priest in Ireland Admits to Over 100 Child Sex Offenses as Bishop Seeks Vatican Dismissal
- Oct 9, 9:17 AM Catholic World Report Priest in Ireland admits to over 100 child sex offenses as bishop seeks Vatican dismissal
More in Vatican
- Oct 31, 1:05 PM PT Bishop Mutsaerts Defends Traditional Catholics Against Cardinal Roche’s Threats
- Oct 31, 1:01 PM PT · 10 sources Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Francesco Cavina as Special Apostolic Visitator for Medjugorje
- Oct 31, 12:46 PM PT · 10 sources Pope Leo XIV chooses theme for 101st World Mission Day
- Oct 31, 11:45 AM PT November Spanish Marian Masses for Puerto Rico, Nicaragua Set for St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Oct 31, 11:45 AM PT How Popes Have Praised Dorothy Day’s Message of Social Activism
- Oct 31, 11:15 AM PT Pope Leo XIV to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru
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