Michael Swierz / Mahoning Matters
CV NEWS FEED // A Catholic priest in the Pennsylvania Youngstown Diocese has resigned amid an ongoing investigation regarding unknown allegations of misconduct dating back to the 1980s.
According to a local WFMJ report, Bishop David Bonnar accepted Fr Michael Swierz’s resignation on June 17, placing Fr. Swierz on administrative leave until the diocese completes its internal investigation.
The Diocese reportedly told the outlet that it would share the results of the investigation upon conclusion.
In a statement to WFMJ, the Diocese’s Public Relations and Media Specialist Dennis Biviano wrote that Fr. Swierz had been placed on administrative leave over “admitted actions that constituted violations of Diocesan policies.”
Biviano noted that the actions took place while Fr. Swierz was a priest at St. Rose Parish in Girard, Ohio, in the late 1980s.
“The investigation into these matters is ongoing and Father Swierz is cooperating in the investigation,” Biviano stated, adding: “The Diocese will not provide further comment on either the investigation or Father Swierz’s situation at this time.”
Ordained in 1985, Fr Swierz served as a priest at St Peters in Canton, St Rose, St Joseph the Provider Church, St Elizabeth, and St John the Baptist, and most recently St Patrick Parish in Hubbard.
Fr Swiertz also served as the chaplain to the Youngstown Fire Department.
