Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has categorically denied the allegation against him. He will vigorously defend himself against this false claim and is confident the truth will prevail. As the Church investigation is a Vos estis lux mundi probe, it does not require that Bishop DiMarzio step aside during the preliminary investigation. As such, his status has not changed.

Since the allegation was announced two months ago, there has been a tremendous outpouring of support for Bishop DiMarzio, from here in the Diocese of Brooklyn and from the people he has served throughout his 50-year ministry, including parishioners from his time as parochial vicar at St. Nicholas Church in Jersey City.

Bishop DiMarzio is recognized as a leader in the fight against sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Even before the mandates of the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop DiMarzio created protocols when he was the bishop in the Diocese of Camden from 1999-2003 to ensure that children were protected and that victims received the care they need.

After arriving at the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2003, he instituted changes that surpassed the mandates of the Dallas Charter. They include an independent reporting line, where reports are automatically sent to the district attorney in Brooklyn or Queens upon receipt. He has met with victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse and provides numerous supports for them, including a yearly Mass of Hope and Healing.

His record in fighting sexual abuse is further evident in Pope Francis’ recent selection of him to conduct an investigation into the Diocese of Buffalo.

Bishop DiMarzio looks forward to the investigation of the allegation made against him and having his good name cleared and restored.

Adriana Rodriguez
Director of Communications, Press Secretary
DeSales Media Group, Diocese of Brooklyn
1712 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Direct line: 718-517-3143
Office: 718-499-9705 – Ext. 636
Cell: 646-241-9805