(ZENIT News / Minneapolis, 22.01.2024).- On January 5, the Bishop of Minneapolis told the press that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith concluded that John Nienstedt, the resigned Archbishop of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, committed “imprudent” acts according to the rules of Vos Estis Lux Mundi, but without violating Canon Law. Hence, Bishop Nienstedt received “unfounded” accusations.
Despite the exoneration, the diocese also announced that Pope Francis has banned Nienstedt from holding ecclesial positions in the province, which encompasses the States of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, moreover, he cannot reside in the diocesan territory.
Nienstedt was Archbishop of Minneapolis from 2008 until his resignation in 2015. In 2013 he was accused of covering up accusations against a priest, who was sentenced for sexually abusing children. Archbishop Nienstedt was accused of covering up the case. However, the diocese’s statement gave no details about the “imprudent acts” attributed to him.
In July 2014, Nienstedt was accused of having relations with clergymen and adult candidates to the priesthood. According to AP News Agency, he also invited two minors to a hotel room during the World Youth Day in Cologne in 2005. Nienstedt always denied the accusations but he was among the first American Bishops to resign because of accusations of this kind.
On January 5 Nienstedt told “The Pillar” that he wants to find out the “imprudent acts” imputed to him. “Recently I was informed that (the investigation) by the Dicasteries for Bishops and for the Doctrine of the Faith concluded and that the Holy See determined that the available proofs do not back the conclusion that I had committed a canonical offense and considered unfounded the accusations against me (. . . ) Through my Canon lawyer, I have asked the Holy See to clarify the ‘imprudent’ actions that I allegedly committed while I was in Minnesota.”
John Nienstedt is the first American Bishop on whose ministry a ban has been publicly imposed, following an investigation under the rules of Vos Estis Lux Mundi. The Archbishop left his position in 2015, after a series of accusations of not having addressed appropriately cases of clerical abuse by priests of the Archdiocese.
In his press release, Nienstedt agrees to respect the restrictions imposed on him and commented that, being retired, his ministry will be limited. “I am now retired, so my service will continue to be limited. I’m sorry for any pain anyone has suffered due to the accusations against me, and I ask you for your prayers.”
