Pope Accepts Resignation of Bishop Alexander Salazoar Whose Identity as a Credibly Accused Child Sexual Abuser Was Kept Secret by the Vatican and the Archdiocese
(Los Angeles, CA) – This morning Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar. The Archdiocese confirmed that it has been aware of the child sexual abuse allegations against Bp. Salazar since 2005. The Archdiocese released lists of credibly accused priests in 2005, 2008 and 2018 and none of those lists included Bp. Salazar’s name.
“The dramatic revelation today is not that another Catholic Bishop is accused of abuse, it is that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has known about the allegation, kept it secret for over 13 years, and continues its long-standing practice of deceit and deception,” said Attorney Mike Reck. “These years can never be returned to survivors of abuse and the stark reality is that this institution cannot be trusted to regulate itself on the issue of child protection.”
Today’s development highlights several unanswered questions. Why wasn’t Bp. Salazar included on any of the Archdiocese’s previous lists? What does his resignation mean? Has he been laicized? Is he simply retired? What safety protocols are being imposed on Bp. Salazar? Why did it take the Vatican this long to act? Why didn’t he Vatican warn the public?
“The time is now for the Vatican and Archdiocese of Los Angeles to come clean,” said Reck. “Every day that they hide these crimes, kids are at risk.”
This announcement comes on the heels of three lawsuits filed by Jeff Anderson & Associates in California, against the Vatican and the California bishops seeking public disclosure of all names of priests with allegations of sexual abuse.
For more information on these lawsuits, please visit our website under the News section.