The Archdiocese of Baltimore has removed Father Luigi Esposito from Our Lady of Pompei Church over allegations of child sex abuse.
The alleged abuse happened in the 1970's while Father Esposito, who is now 77-years-old, was an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Pompei. The victim says the abuse began when they were 14-years-old and occurred multiple times while they were at the church.
Father Esposito has denied all the allegations against him, but the Archdiocese says he spoke with the alleged victim a number of times and the allegations were consistent. As part of the Archdiocesan policy, Father Esposito has been suspended from ministry and removed of his faculties to function as a priest, pending the outcome of its investigation.
Some background on Father Esposito:
- In 1964, Luigi Esposito was ordained a priest of the Congregation of the Mission of St. Vincent de Paul, a religious order also known as the Vincentians, in Naples, Italy.
- He was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2000
- Father Esposito served as Associate Pastor of our of Our Lady of Pompei from 1964-1984
- He was made Pastor in 1987 and remains in that position pending the investigation
- Father Esposito was a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director of Our Lady of Pompei High School from 1964-1987
The Archdiocese is working with the parish and staff to provide pastoral care to the Our Lady of Pompei community and is offering counseling services for those affected.
SEE ALSO: Settlement money said to be running out for some survivors of church sex abuse
If clergy or other church personnel is suspected of committing the abuse, call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Hotline at 1-866-417-7469. If you have any other information relevant to this matter, please contact the Archdiocese Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5599.
