Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis Seeks Dismissal of Abuse Lawsuit Claims

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri. Photo: Chris Yunker/Flickr

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis filed a motion on December 23 seeking dismissal of several counts in a lawsuit alleging decades of sexual abuse by clergy, religious, and other affiliated personnel. The suit, initially filed in July 2024 by 25 plaintiffs, covers alleged abuse dating from the 1950s through 2010. Defendants include the Archdiocese, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, and a priest referred to as “Fr. Joe.”

Judge Christopher McGraugh of the 22nd Judicial Circuit granted a continuance to March 26, noting that the case is still in early discovery.

The Archdiocese argues that the lawsuit improperly targets non-perpetrators, asserting that Missouri law bars claims against those who did not commit abuse. The motion challenges charges including childhood sexual abuse, negligent supervision, fraud, aiding and abetting, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The filing states that evaluating the Archdiocese’s oversight of clergy and internal policies is constitutionally restricted, and the church contends the claims violate First Amendment protections. OSV News has requested comment from the Archdiocese.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Polish Catholic priest was arrested for murder. 

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