Two more priests have been placed on administrative
leave by the Philadelphia Archdiocese as part of an ongoing
investigation into the sexual abuse of children by clergy.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, the archbishop of Philadelphia, announced
that the two unnamed priests, who are currently retired, have been
placed on administrative leave, effective immediately, pending a more
thorough independent investigation.
That investigation is being conducted by Gina Maisto Smith, a former
child abuse prosecutor in Philadelphia, and a team of experts.
"These steps are interim measures and are not in any way final determinations or judgments," Rigali said in a written statement.
Earlier this month, 21 other priests were also placed on
administrative leave following a review of sexual abuse allegations in
the Catholic Church in Philadelphia.