Frank Pavone, the former national director of Priests for Life, has been accused of sexual harassment by two women who used to work for him. These allegations add to the list of reasons why Pavone was dismissed from the priesthood by the Vatican in December 2022. In this blog post, I will examine the evidence and testimonies that support these claims, and the response of Pavone and the Diocese of Amarillo, where he was incardinated.
The first woman, who spoke anonymously to The Pillar, said she worked for Priests for Life in Staten Island, New York, from 1999 to 2001. She said Pavone would often touch her hair, put his arms around her while she was at her computer, and make comments about her appearance. She also said he would invite her to his private quarters in the office building, where he would show her his personal belongings and ask her to file paperwork. She said she felt uncomfortable and trapped by his behavior, but did not know how to report it or escape it. She said she eventually left the organization after Pavone tried to kiss her on the lips.
The second woman, Jenn Morson, said she worked for Priests for Life in Amarillo, Texas, from 2005 to 2006. She said Pavone would also touch her hair, hug her tightly, and make remarks about her body. She said he would ask her to accompany him on trips and to his hotel room, where he would offer her alcohol and cigarettes. She said he would also call her late at night and talk about personal matters. She said she felt confused and manipulated by his actions, but did not want to jeopardize her job or the pro-life cause. She said she eventually quit after Pavone became angry with her for not answering his phone calls.
Both women said they complained to the Diocese of Amarillo about Pavone's conduct, but never received any feedback or follow-up. The Pillar reported that the diocese assigned Pavone and other Priests for Life employees to sexual harassment and "safe environment" training in 2010, after it received reports accusing the priest of misconduct toward young female subordinates. However, the diocese has not publicly acknowledged or addressed these allegations, nor has it explained why it issued letters attesting that Pavone was a priest in "good standing" who had "never been involved in an incident which called into question his fitness or suitability to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of his priestly ministry due to alcohol, substance abuse, violation of celibacy, physical abuse, or other causes."
Pavone has denied both sets of allegations, saying they are filled with "numerous inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and mistruths that have already been addressed." He has also claimed that he has been "persecuted" by the Church hierarchy for being "too aggressive" in his pro-life advocacy. He has not provided any evidence or details to support his claims or refute the accusations.
The allegations against Pavone are serious and disturbing. They suggest that he abused his power and position as a priest and a pro-life leader to prey on young women who trusted him and admired him. They also raise questions about the accountability and transparency of the Diocese of Amarillo and the Vatican in handling these cases. The victims deserve justice and healing, and the faithful deserve clarity and truth.
Pavone has been acting strangely since the death of Cardinal O'Connor. He refused to accept assignments to parish work from the late Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York from 2000-2009 and who passed away in 2015. This led Pavone to move to Texas and be incardinated there where he acted strangely there as well refusing to obey the bishop and even refusing to answer Cardinal Dolan's investigation into the finances and operation of Priests For Life, an organization not officially affiliated with the Catholic Church in any capacity. He also placed a dead fetus on an altar and aligned himself to MAGA and President Donald Trump in a manner that violates Canon Law which prevents priests from becoming political. Recently, Pavone blocked our Twitter account after we asked if he saw the reports on him (see: Sacerdotus: Frank Pavone Blocks Sacerdotus).
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Source:
: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/pavone-accused-of-sexual-harassment
: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/02/23/frank-pavone-priests-life-abuse-prolife-244792
: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/amarillo-diocese-pavone-given-harassment-training-after-allegations
