The group said the decision is based on the need for parish priests in New York, and is in line with similar decisions of the cardinal to call back many other diocesan priests who are on special assignment.
In the statement, Anthony DeStefano, executive director of Priests for Life, expressed surprise at the decision and said Father Pavone would make a statement in the near future.
Cardinal John O´Connor appointed Father Pavone to Priests for Life in 1993. He transformed the fledgling group into an international organization with a multimillion-dollar budget, a staff of almost 40 full-time employees, four full-time priests, and a global media outreach, the group said.
